Broadview ICE Protest Erupts as Federal Agents Use Pepper Spray

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — Federal officers deployed pepper spray Saturday during a confrontation with protesters outside the Broadview U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. Video from the scene shows demonstrators blocking the driveway as officers tried to enter and exit the property.

The footage shows protesters gathered at the gate and standing in the path of federal vehicles. Some demonstrators appeared to hold onto the hood of a vehicle as officers drove through the crowd.

The Coalition Against Broadview ICE Facility, which participated in the demonstration, is calling for an independent federal investigation and questioning the force used against protesters.

“Peaceful protesters should never be subjected to unnecessary force or actions that place their safety at risk,” the coalition said in a statement.

Robert Held, an attorney with the Chicago Council of Lawyers who said he witnessed the escalation, criticized the officers’ response.

“It’s just shocking. It’s disappointing,” Held said.

Held said federal agents repeatedly came out of the facility to push protesters away from the driveway.

“ICE would open the gate to their parking lot, and dozens of agents would march out aggressively. They were pushing people away from the driveway, but they were doing it in an aggressive and violent manner,” Held said.

In video recorded at the scene, Held can also be heard questioning a masked federal officer about the agents’ actions.

“One question, when you come out, why do you escalate when you come out?” Held asked.

The officer responded that protesters had repeatedly been instructed to remain out of the driveway.

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“We’ve asked them multiple times to stay out of the driveway. It’s very simple. The request is very simple. I’ve tried my best to be very request, so I hate that she had to get sprayed, but this has been going on for an elongated period of time,” the officer said.

The coalition also challenged portions of public comments attributed to Broadview spokesperson David Ormsby, saying they did not provide a complete account of the protesters’ treatment or the federal agents’ conduct.

“We believe the public deserves a complete and accurate account of what occurred during this demonstration. Peaceful protesters should never be subjected to unnecessary force or actions that place their safety at risk. We are particularly concerned by reports that pepper spray was used against demonstrators, that an ICE vehicle struck a protester, and that a seated individual was physically removed despite presenting no threat. We call for an independent federal investigation into these incidents and for full transparency regarding the actions of all parties involved,” the coalition said.

The group urged federal officials, elected leaders and independent oversight organizations to examine video, eyewitness testimony and incident reports.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security was asked for comment but has not yet responded.

Broadview spokesperson David Ormsby said in a statement: “At approximately 2:30 p.m.