BROADVIEW, Illinois — The eight-foot steel fence that once enclosed the Broadview ICE Detention Center, a suburban Chicago immigration facility used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold people awaiting deportation, came down Tuesday night before a federal judge’s deadline.

WGN-TV reported that the Department of Homeland Security erected the fence about three weeks ago, blocking access to Beach Street and prompting the village of Broadview to take legal action. A federal judge ordered its removal, citing public safety concerns for first responders trying to reach the area.

Critics warn the barrier endangers public safety, limits access for first responders, and defies the court order, while ICE argues it is necessary to protect agents and detainees.

A curfew for protests also went into effect on October 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.

On Monday, a press conference was held outside the Broadview ICE facility, where state and local leaders, faith leaders, and community advocates spoke against the fence and the increased federal presence in the area.

Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said the village did not choose to host the ICE facility.

“Too many protesters have been raising their fists instead of their voices, creating chaos at the expense of those who live here. Our residents do not have the privilege of retreating to quiet neighborhoods once the cameras are gone. They live here, they work here, and they deserve peace,” Thompson said.

Thompson has also limited protests at the ICE site to a safety zone on Beach Street, removing the previous area on South 25th Avenue. This comes as protests at the facility on Saturday night led to 15 arrests, according to WTTW.

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch said the community remains resilient. He criticized the federal government, specifically Donald Trump, for disregarding local processes and failing to consult with police and firefighters about public safety impacts. 

“This fence is a stark reminder of another time in history. In 1961, the East German Army erected a wall that became known as the Berlin Wall. The Berlin Wall symbolized the Cold War, the physical division of Europe into communist authoritarian and capitalist blocs, the Iron Curtain, and the repression of freedom under communist regimes,” Welch said on Monday. 

Steven Cimino, who grew up in Broadview and now lives in Michigan, said he returned to the suburb to protest outside the ICE facility. Cimino claimed he was struck by pepper balls fired from the rooftop during a demonstration about three weeks ago.

Cimino also wrote a letter to Thompson, urging the village to cut off utilities to the facility so that it is rendered inoperable.

“I can't believe this is happening in my hometown. I have memories growing up here as a kid,” Cimino said.

Brookfield resident Dean K. was at the Broadview ICE facility protesting the ongoing immigration raids in the area. He said the operations have caused distress in the community and criticized what he sees as heavy-handed enforcement.

“This whole administration has been centralizing power to the executive branch, and this is just another way they are doing it. It would be a shame for our local officials to go along with this unconstitutional power grab,” Dean said, who did not want to reveal his last name.

Derek Wilson, a resident of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, has been protesting at the ICE facility. Wilson criticized the added fencing and barricades for limiting protester access and described seeing police aggression toward demonstrators, including the use of sticks, pepper spray, and rubber bullets.

He also recounted being chased by officers during a recent protest on Sunday, emphasizing that despite the risks, he continues to protest because he feels it’s important to speak up and show solidarity.

“I ran across Roosevelt Street and found somewhere to hide. Then I waited to calm down a little bit, ran back to my vehicle, and left,” Wilson said.

Hector Cervantes is a freelance writer based in Chicago who enjoys covering stories related to Latin culture, entertainment, and community.

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