The Department of Homeland Security is denying a media report suggesting the Trump Administration plans to leave a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview following protests at the site last week.
A spokesman for Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson also said the village was unaware of any plans for immigration authorities to leave.
In a story published Sunday afternoon, HuffPost reported that ICE planned to “evacuate” the building and move to another location, prompting several advocacy groups to proclaim victory in press releases and social media posts.
In a statement to the Tribune, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, denied that the holding facility will be closed.
“Any allegations that ICE Broadview Processing Center is temporarily closing is FALSE,” the statement said. “Since Friday, rioters and sanctuary politicians have obstructed and assaulted law enforcement. These rioters have thrown tear gas cans, rocks, bottles, and fireworks at law enforcement, slashed tires of cars, blocked the entrance of the building, and trespassed on private property.”
McLaughlin also chastised local law enforcement in her statement for not helping to quell the demonstrations.
“Secretary (Kristi) Noem’s message to rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down,” her statement said. “ICE will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The statement comes after a Friday morning protest against President Donald Trump’s latest immigration crackdown, known as “Operation Midway Blitz.” The initiative, which began in early September, has resulted in more than 500 arrests so far in the Chicago area, according to DHS officials.
