On Friday, September 19, a protest outside the ICE processing facility in Broadview, Illinois, spiraled out of control.
What started as a demonstration quickly turned into an hours-long standoff between activists and federal agents.
INSANE. Violent leftists are forcibly BLOCKADING the entrance of an ICE facility in Illinois.
Rioters can be seen assaulting ICE officers and physically attacking the ICE vehicle while calling officers “Nazis.”pic.twitter.com/vhYSwvxys5
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 19, 2025
The protest was aimed at Operation Midway Blitz, a new immigration enforcement push by the Trump administration that began earlier this month.
The operation focuses on removing illegal immigrants with criminal records, gang ties, or repeat deportation orders.
ICE says the crackdown has already led to nearly 550 arrests in the Chicago area, including violent offenders.
The Protest Escalates
About 100 protesters gathered outside the ICE facility, blocking entrances and exits.
Demonstrators sang, chanted, and linked arms to form human barricades.
By late afternoon, agents in riot gear responded with tear gas, pepper balls, and smoke grenades after vehicles and personnel were blocked from moving in and out.
Some protesters set off smoke bombs and fireworks after sunset.
At least three people were arrested for assaulting officers or blocking vehicles. One woman was taken to the hospital after being hit with a less-lethal round.
The Broadview facility itself looked like a fortress, with razor wire and boarded windows, highlighting just how serious the security situation has become.
Democrats Join the Protest
Several prominent Democrats didn’t just speak out – they joined in.
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Kat Abughazaleh, a progressive congressional candidate, said she was thrown to the ground twice by ICE agents while blocking vehicles. She posted video footage and called the response “violent abuse of power.”
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Daniel Biss, the mayor of Evanston and a candidate for the U.S. Senate, was tear gassed. He posted on X: “Federal forces just tear gassed myself and the other peaceful protestors… We will not back down.”
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Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton issued a statement praising protesters for “singing, chanting, praying” and condemned federal tactics.
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Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez joined earlier in the day and later said, “If exercising my right to free speech gets me tear gassed, then I’m not safe.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker monitored the event alongside Stratton. Both have criticized the federal operation and hinted at possible state pushback.
The Broader Context
Operation Midway Blitz is part of President Trump’s national strategy to restore law and order in cities that have long resisted federal immigration enforcement.
Critics call Chicago a “sanctuary city” where lawbreaking is tolerated, and this operation directly challenges that.
ICE has made clear the targets are not families but criminals.
DHS officials said demonstrators crossed the line by slashing tires, throwing back tear gas canisters, and trespassing on federal property.
A DHS statement called them “lawless rioters” and criticized local officials for siding with mobs instead of helping law enforcement.
The Chicago protest came just hours after a related incident in Franklin Park, Illinois, where ICE agents shot and killed Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez.
Authorities say he attempted to ram agents with his vehicle during an arrest attempt tied to a deportation order.
His family disputes the account, and activists quickly added his name to their rallying cries.
A Pattern Across the Country
Similar confrontations are happening in other Democrat-run cities.
Just a day earlier, 11 local officials were arrested in New York for blocking an ICE facility.
BREAKING: 11 politicians arrested in NY for obstructing an ICE facility pic.twitter.com/lYgnggTc5s
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) September 19, 2025
In Chicago, activists say they will continue weekly protests until Operation Midway Blitz is stopped.
Meanwhile, ICE officials are not backing down.
Nevada Isn’t Immune to This
This isn’t just a Chicago story.
Nevada has also seen rising gang activity from international groups like Tren de Aragua, the same group targeted in Operation Midway Blitz.
Law enforcement leaders here have warned that sanctuary-style policies only invite more crime.
For Nevadans, the Chicago protest is a reminder of what happens when politics is put ahead of public safety.
Our state’s growing immigrant population, combined with a weak stance from Democrat leaders, means similar tensions could play out in Las Vegas or Reno if federal crackdowns expand.
Chicago Is a Warning for the Rest of the Country
The Broadview protest wasn’t simply about immigration. It was about a clash of priorities.
On one side, federal officers enforcing the law.
On the other, politicians and activists who believe breaking the law should be excused in the name of compassion.
Nevadans should pay close attention.
With cartels, gangs, and repeat offenders crossing the border every day, the question is whether we want Chicago-style standoffs here – or whether we’ll stand with those trying to keep our communities safe.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
