Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
On September 26, 2025, over 200 people gathered outside the Broadview Processing Center in Illinois, blocking access to one of its gates. Another group of about 30 individuals attempted to trespass on federal property by swarming a different gate. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), participants brought fireworks, protective gear such as N-95 masks and gas masks, goggles, knee and elbow pads, as well as food and water supplies. The crowd reportedly chanted slogans including “Arrest ICE, Shoot ICE.” Law enforcement confiscated a gun from one individual.
The DHS stated that this is not the first time the facility has experienced violence. Since Operation Midway Blitz began, incidents have included assaults on law enforcement officers, use of tear gas cans against officers, slashing of car tires, blocking building entrances, and trespassing.
According to DHS officials, assaults against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have increased by more than 1,000%. In recent days prior to this incident, a gunman opened fire at an ICE facility in Dallas.
“Just days after the vile terrorist attack on an ICE Dallas Facility, over 200 rioters gathered outside the Broadview Processing Center in Illinois, and some began chanting 'shoot ICE.' These violent threats and smears about ICE must stop. There is no place in American politics for violence,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We are calling on Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson to condemn these riots and tone down their rhetoric about ICE. These riots outside the ICE Broadview Processing Center and attacks on ICE officers come after Democrat politicians, including Governor Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, have villainized and demonized ICE law enforcement.”
Governor J.B. Pritzker previously claimed that the United States is "essentially" becoming Nazi Germany because of actions taken by ICE personnel.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson referred to ICE as “secret police” who “are terrorizing our communities.”
The DHS press release criticized both protesters and local officials who support sanctuary policies. It stated that such positions align with criminals rather than victims.
Operation Midway Blitz has led to hundreds of arrests involving individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault (including against children), felony assault, domestic violence, stalking, drug trafficking, armed robbery, and vehicular robbery.
