Decision on lawsuit over Broadview ICE detention center fencing will be made by Thursday: judge

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) -- A federal judge did not yet make a decision Tuesday on a lawsuit filed by the village of Broadview over fencing surrounding a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement facility.

The judge said a decision will be issued by Thursday. Broadview has sued ICE and the Department of Homeland Security over the temporary fencing surrounding the detention facility.

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The north side entrance of the facility remains blocked by tall fences.

Attorneys for the federal government argued in court the fencing across Beach Street was needed to conduct business and to protect vehicles and personnel, after conflicts erupted during protests of ICE action during "Operation Midway Blitz."

Broadview says the fence was put up without village approval, and it blocks emergency response.

"There are federal employees who may need assistance, detainees who may need our service, and there are citizens who on the other side of that fence," Broadview attorney Charles Huff said.

Attorneys for the village argued Tuesday for a temporary restraining order to bring down the fence so that emergency vehicles can have full access to the area if needed.

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"Because they industrial buildings, the of risk of fire is greater, the amount of fire apparatus that would be necessary is also greater," Broadview attorney Veronica Bonilla-Lopez said.

"They do not have the unlimited right to just put up fences where they want. That is what this suit is about, the village's ability to protect its people," attorney Michael Albert said.

Businesses along Beach have adapted to extra traffic.

There are signs and barriers to keep their parking areas available for their customers.

One worker in the area says they've adjusted their schedule so delivery drivers don't get stuck in the very localized traffic.

"We noticed on Fridays there's a lot of large gatherings. So on Fridays we are actually kind of shutting down. So that really affecting our business on Fridays," Joey Izaguirre said.

Most business owners and workers said they are closed on the weekends when most protesters gather; so, they miss a lot of the activity.

Government attorneys declined an interview.

On Monday, Chicago journalists and unions sued ICE and DHS, alleging the federal government has used "extreme force" against reporters and TV crews during protests in Broadview.

Broadview officials have also launched three criminal investigations into ICE activity.

The village on Monday set fixed protest hours for demonstrators.