CHICAGO (AP) — Authorities arrested 21 protesters Friday outside a Chicago-area federal immigration facility that activists claim operates like a detention center plagued by inhumane conditions. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office reported that arrests were made by midday, and they were in the process of verifying identities and potential charges.
Prior to the clash, a large group of demonstrators was seen singing and chanting around 10 a.m. Some protesters, aware of the impending arrests, crossed a protest barrier and moved toward the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.
The crowd, which numbered around 300, held signs with messages like “God’s Love Knows No Borders” and “God Demands Freedom” during the protest. Some participants engaged in prayer, as officers from Illinois State Police and Cook County sheriffs’ department looked on.
Located in Broadview, Illinois, this immigration facility has been a focal point for frequent protests, especially on Fridays, as activists rally against a federal immigration enforcement initiative dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz.” This operation has led to over 3,200 arrests in the Chicago metropolitan area since September of individuals suspected of violating immigration laws.
The aggressive tactics employed by agents from Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been subject to scrutiny, facing criticism through legal challenges and public protests. Activists continue to voice their opposition against what they deem harsh and inhumane treatment of detainees.
Prior to the clash, a large group of demonstrators was seen singing and chanting around 10 a.m. Some protesters, aware of the impending arrests, crossed a protest barrier and moved toward the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.
The crowd, which numbered around 300, held signs with messages like “God’s Love Knows No Borders” and “God Demands Freedom” during the protest. Some participants engaged in prayer, as officers from Illinois State Police and Cook County sheriffs’ department looked on.
Located in Broadview, Illinois, this immigration facility has been a focal point for frequent protests, especially on Fridays, as activists rally against a federal immigration enforcement initiative dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz.” This operation has led to over 3,200 arrests in the Chicago metropolitan area since September of individuals suspected of violating immigration laws.
The aggressive tactics employed by agents from Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been subject to scrutiny, facing criticism through legal challenges and public protests. Activists continue to voice their opposition against what they deem harsh and inhumane treatment of detainees.
