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At Least 15 Detained After Protesters Clash with Police Outside Chicago ICE Facility
A tense standoff outside the Broadview Ice detention center in Chicago turned violent when protesters and police clashed on Friday. At least 15 people were taken into custody, with dozens more arrested for resisting or obstructing officers during a chaotic scene captured on video.
Demonstrators had gathered at the facility, which has been the site of recurring unrest in recent weeks, to protest what they see as overly aggressive enforcement by federal agents. Authorities had instructed protesters to remain within designated "protest zones" but tensions escalated when police moved to clear the roadway.
Eyewitnesses describe a heated confrontation with police using batons and helmets, with some protesters tackling and dragging others to the ground. Chants of "Who do you protect?" echoed through the crowd as protests turned violent.
Illinois state police confirmed that 15 detained protesters were aged 23-44, facing charges related to resisting or obstructing an officer. Protester Kat Abughazaleh, a congressional candidate, spoke out against the restrictions on free speech, saying that "everywhere else is not a free speech zone." She claimed to have been struck in the face with a baton and witnessed an officer push a woman to the ground.
The facility has seen repeated use of teargas and other chemical agents by federal agents, who have also used so-called "less-lethal" rounds to disperse crowds. Local officials have struggled to manage large demonstrations outside the facility, which have been linked to the Trump administration's decision to target Chicago with increased federal law enforcement presence.
In a court order issued earlier in the week, judges required federal agents in Illinois to wear body cameras during immigration operations, citing multiple incidents involving pepper balls, smoke grenades, and teargas against protesters. Governor JB Pritzker praised the ruling, saying that "there's no justification for people tossing teargas in the context of people's protests."
The deployment of federal forces has been a contentious issue in Chicago, with many criticizing what they see as an overreach by the Trump administration. The city's mayor, Katrina Thompson, has spoken out against the conduct of federal agents, calling it "chaotic" and saying that "this is not Putin's Russia."
A tense standoff outside the Broadview Ice detention center in Chicago turned violent when protesters and police clashed on Friday. At least 15 people were taken into custody, with dozens more arrested for resisting or obstructing officers during a chaotic scene captured on video.
Demonstrators had gathered at the facility, which has been the site of recurring unrest in recent weeks, to protest what they see as overly aggressive enforcement by federal agents. Authorities had instructed protesters to remain within designated "protest zones" but tensions escalated when police moved to clear the roadway.
Eyewitnesses describe a heated confrontation with police using batons and helmets, with some protesters tackling and dragging others to the ground. Chants of "Who do you protect?" echoed through the crowd as protests turned violent.
Illinois state police confirmed that 15 detained protesters were aged 23-44, facing charges related to resisting or obstructing an officer. Protester Kat Abughazaleh, a congressional candidate, spoke out against the restrictions on free speech, saying that "everywhere else is not a free speech zone." She claimed to have been struck in the face with a baton and witnessed an officer push a woman to the ground.
The facility has seen repeated use of teargas and other chemical agents by federal agents, who have also used so-called "less-lethal" rounds to disperse crowds. Local officials have struggled to manage large demonstrations outside the facility, which have been linked to the Trump administration's decision to target Chicago with increased federal law enforcement presence.
In a court order issued earlier in the week, judges required federal agents in Illinois to wear body cameras during immigration operations, citing multiple incidents involving pepper balls, smoke grenades, and teargas against protesters. Governor JB Pritzker praised the ruling, saying that "there's no justification for people tossing teargas in the context of people's protests."
The deployment of federal forces has been a contentious issue in Chicago, with many criticizing what they see as an overreach by the Trump administration. The city's mayor, Katrina Thompson, has spoken out against the conduct of federal agents, calling it "chaotic" and saying that "this is not Putin's Russia."
! I'm literally shook by what happened outside that ICE facility 
. Like, I get why people are protesting for their rights, but at the same time, I feel bad for the cops who were there too... they gotta do their job right? 
But seriously, a court order requiring body cameras is like, about time! 
It's so important to hold people in power accountable, especially when it comes to something as serious as protests. And I love that Governor Pritzker is speaking out against the conduct of federal agents - he's like, totally on point 
. Can't we all just get along and make sure everyone's safe? 
just heard about this protest outside the ICE facility in Chicago... think it's crazy that things escalated like that 
they're trying to silence protesters but it's not going to work anyone who's seen those videos knows it's just not right 
Kat Abughazaleh got hit with a baton and saw an officer push a woman to the ground? that's unacceptable 
local officials are already struggling to manage demos outside the facility, now they need body cameras for federal agents too? can't wait to see how this plays out 
... 15 people are detained after clashes with police outside an ICE facility in Chicago. It's just crazy how things escalated from a peaceful protest to violence. The cops were using batons and helmets, and some protesters were even tackled to the ground 
.
. This whole situation just feels so chaotic and frustrating 
. And those federal agents, always with the pepper balls and teargas... it's like, can't they just talk to people instead of using force? 
Anyway, I guess the court order about body cameras is a step in the right direction, but we need more than that if we're gonna start seeing real change around here 
.
they r supposed 2 b protecting us, but whats protectin' them from gettin hurt in the process? 
i mean, protesters got rights 2 free speech & assembly too, and its sad that authorities cant seem 2 figure out how 2 resolve conflicts peacefully 
. I feel for the protesters who are just tryna express themselves, but at the same time, police gotta do their job right? 
. Can't we all just talk about this without it turnin into chaos 
It's so unfair how the Trump admin is using federal forces to crack down on protests. Chicago is a city of diversity and love, not fear and control 
We need more body cameras and less aggression from law enforcement. The governor's ruling about body cameras is a great start, but it's not enough... we need systemic change. 
. and can we talk about how ridiculous it is for them to try to restrict free speech zones? like, everywhere else is not a free speech zone? what a joke 
. kat abughazaleh is speaking out against this stuff and she sounds super passionate... i hope her words help make some change