ICE Escalates Violence Against Protesters In Broadview, Journalist Arrested

In Broadview, ICE agents intensified enforcement actions, arresting journalist Steve Held and deploying pepper balls against protesters after Mayor Katrina Thompson condemned their tactics in a letter to Homeland Security. Thompson's letter urged the agency to halt the use of chemical weapons against residents, labeling the situation as "making war" on the community. Following her remarks, ICE reportedly warned local police of increased enforcement, which the village interpreted as retaliation. Eleven arrests occurred outside the ICE facility, with five individuals remaining in custody as of Sunday morning, according to the National Lawyers Guild. The guild noted that ICE officers have increasingly targeted those simply supporting protesters, including using force against individuals seeking shelter from tear gas.

Local officials, such as Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, cautioned civilians to avoid further protests, fearing that ICE might resort to lethal force. This escalation follows a pattern of heightened tensions since September 19, when federal officers began using violent measures against demonstrators. The situation underscores significant community concerns regarding federal enforcement tactics and their impact on civil liberties.