Protesters gather outside Broadview ICE facility amid Midway Blitz crackdown

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Protesters gathered Friday outside the Broadview ICE facility.

There were no arrests, but there were some tense moments between federal agents and demonstrators.

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Federal agents, dressed in full military garb, forcibly removed protesters as the group staged an early morning sit-in at the ICE processing center in west suburban Broadview so a transport van filled with people believed to be undocumented immigrant detainees could be taken to another location.
"So we feel like Broadview residents should know they have the power to say 'this is not welcome' in their community," protest organizer Akeisha Lee said.

The pre-dawn protest is a part of the latest effort by immigration rights advocates to disrupt operations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"I just feel like it's wrong the way they are taking these people and not giving them due process," protester Randy Vandenbos said. "So I just felt like somebody's gotta stand up."

Organizers say their 12-hour grassroots demonstration comes as the Trump Administration announces its sending the National Guard to Memphis instead of Chicago.

READ MORE | Chicago federal intervention: Tracking surge in immigration enforcement operations | Live updates

Meanwhile, officials plan on ramping up their federal immigration enforcement efforts with operation Midway Blitz, which is supposed to target undocumented criminals.

"I believe that Jesus essentially said love, unconditional love and so I know there's a better way," protester Leslie Ritter-Jenkins said.

With signs in hand and chanting, last week, the group was successful in turning an ICE vehicle away as it tried to enter the facility.

Broadview mayor confirmed the Beach Street site is slated to be the main processing center for expanded ICE operations in the Chicago area.

And while a coalition of faith leaders prayed for peace and non-violence, this local resident expressed his support for the President Trump's mass deportation plan.

"I think a country should, a country is not a country without strong borders, so I would say I stand by law and order," counter-protester Shawn Campbell said.

Friday's protest is scheduled to last until 7 p.m. The protesters said they want to send a clear message to the Trump administration that this facility isn't wanted here.

With protests expected to continue, organizers in Little Village are turning their attention to this weekend's Mexican Independence Day Parade while also keeping an eye on ICE operations.

Immigrant rights groups and community leaders gathered Thursday to inform residents of their rights and share resources. They said since ICE activity started in the area, calls to hotlines have spiked and many families are on edge.

The Parade is Sunday at noon along 26th street in Little Village.

Organizers said rapid response team members and attorneys will be on hand to support the community.

DHS says its targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records in Chicago.