Protesters clash with federal agents outside Chicago ICE facility as tear gas is deployed
DHS says protesters blocked entrances and damaged property; three arrests reported during demonstration outside Broadview ICE processing center
More than 100 anti-ICE protesters surrounded the Broadview Processing Center outside Chicago on Friday as federal agents deployed tear gas and pepper balls to disperse the crowd, authorities said. The Department of Homeland Security described the protest as an organized effort to obstruct ICE operations and said several vans were seen moving in and out of the area, picking up and dropping off demonstrators throughout the day. DHS confirmed three arrests related to the confrontation.
Protesters shouted and moved to block entrances to the facility, and officials said some demonstrators trespassed on private property and damaged vehicles accompanying ICE operations. Across social media, clips showed agents discarding tear gas canisters and firing less-lethal pepper rounds into the crowd as protesters attempted to slow or halt ICE vehicles leaving the processing center. One widely shared video captured a protester wearing a helmet and gas mask, clutching a Captain America shield, hurling a tear gas canister back toward officers. DHS characterized the episode as part of an “organized effort to obstruct ICE law enforcement,” noting that throughout the day, law-enforcement personnel and vehicles were engaged by protesters.
Daniel Biss, the Democratic mayor of Evanston, Illinois, joined the demonstrators and posted a message on X declaring, “We. Will. Not. Be. Intimidated.” He described the scene as terrifying and said it appeared to be an attempt by the administration to intimidate protesters. In accompanying remarks, Biss cited the air of danger and described the chaos in the area around the facility. DHS pointed to participation by local officials in framing the event within a broader political dispute over how immigration-enforcement efforts should be conducted in Illinois.
![Protesters outside Broadview Illinois demonstrators protesting](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/2025-broadview-illinois-demonstrators-protesting-111740608.jpg?w=1024