Crews dismantle fence surrounding Broadview ICE facility to meet judge's order

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) -- There is now a clear line of sight of the Broadview United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center after the fence around it has been removed.

Tuesday night, a flat-bed truck carrying fencing material was allowed into the area, and crews began taking down the fencing.

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The fence was put up after repeated violent clashes between federal agents and protesters in response to increased immigration enforcement in the Chicago area.

Wednesday, a handful of protesters stood outside the facility. Susan Rhode prayed outside the facility.

"I'm glad it's gone," Rhode of Forest Park said. "It was dangerous. I think the crowd getting that upset and threatening is the fear that people are facing.

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In court, the village of Broadview argued that the fencing was a safety hazard, especially for first responders.

Wednesday the Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson called the fence removal a win. In a statement she said:

"The law, including municipal law, applies even to the federal government. This is a victory for the rule of law in a country that is still a democracy. And it is a victory for Broadview residents and businesses who depend on their municipal government to assure public safety."

The Department of Homeland security argued that the fence was meant for protection.

In a statement in part, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin says, "This new ruling seeks to stop us from protecting our ICE Broadview facility, the detainees being processed in it, and our law enforcement officers...DHS extended fencing at the Broadview Processing Center after rioters and sanctuary politicians obstructed law enforcement, threw tear gas cans, rocks, bottles, and fireworks, slashed tires of cars, blocked the entrance of the building, and trespassed on private property."

"We have been hounding them for weeks now about this fence, and they finally took it down," protester Levi Rolles said. "It is a step in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go."

There are still designated protest zones along with protest hours in Broadview.

State police and sheriff deputies also remain outside the facility.

A 57-year-old woman was charged with disorderly conduct outside the facility Tuesday, police said.