Chaos erupted Friday morning at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing center in Broadview, a suburb of Chicago, where approximately 100 protesters gathered to oppose the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement initiative dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz.”
Federal agents deployed tear gas and pepper balls to disperse the crowd after demonstrators attempted to block vehicles from entering and exiting the facility, leading to at least two detentions.
The protest began around 5 a.m. CT, with activists linking arms and chanting against deportation raids in the area.
As a vehicle tried to leave the center shortly after 8:30 a.m., authorities responded with chemical irritants, forcing protesters and nearby journalists to scatter amid clouds of smoke.
Video footage captured the chaotic scene, showing demonstrators coughing and running from the gas, with some accusing agents of treating the area like a “warzone.”
Among those involved were prominent local figures, including Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who criticized the lack of prior notification about the operation to state officials. Progressive Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh, running for Illinois’ 9th District, was physically shoved to the ground by agents during the confrontation.
The more they try to silence us, the louder we make our voices heard. I stand with the Illinoisans who are speaking out against injustice and defending our neighbors from the cruelty taking place at Broadview and across our state. pic.twitter.com/R08nAIvoEi
— Juliana Stratton (@JulianaStratton) September 19, 2025
Mask wearing Illinois Congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh (D) just got BODIED by ICE after trying to f*** with them
Immediate FAFO pic.twitter.com/0CR6Bsj8wK
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 19, 2025
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss reported being tear-gassed alongside other peaceful protesters, calling it a “terrifying escalation.”
Federal forces just tear gassed myself and the other peaceful protestors here at the Broadview ICE facility. This is a terrifying escalation, but we will not back down. pic.twitter.com/15VvI6jZE8
— Daniel Biss (@DanielBiss) September 19, 2025
“Operation Midway Blitz” is part of a broader federal crackdown on illegal immigration, focusing on individuals with criminal records or outstanding warrants. ICE officials have explained that the actions as necessary to dismantle trafficking networks and enhance public safety, amid rising tensions in sanctuary cities like Chicago.
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