Protests outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Illinois, have become increasingly contentious, with numerous arrests occurring each week despite promises from state officials to protect free speech. On October 17, 2025, Jackie Birov, a 35-year-old activist, was among those detained during a demonstration against immigration arrests. Birov, who is known for her striking Lady Liberty costume, described a chaotic situation where Illinois State Police officers moved protesters into the streets and then used batons to arrest them.
Birov faces charges of resisting arrest and disobeying a police officer. She expressed frustration at the state’s actions, stating, “At the same moment they’re doing that, ICE is able to move vehicles of detainees in and out of the facility.” Her comments highlight a growing concern among protesters that state officials, including Governor JB Pritzker, are not fully supporting their cause.
Broadview has emerged as a focal point for those opposing President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. According to records from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, approximately 80 protesters have been arrested since early October, coinciding with the initiation of a coordinated public safety response by the Illinois State Police. While some arrests have involved serious charges like battery and unlawful possession of a weapon, many individuals were detained for resisting arrest.
Details surrounding these arrests have not been thoroughly disclosed. The Illinois State Police have not responded to public records requests regarding incident reports. Furthermore, court records have been sparse, with many arrested protesters not appearing in court. Notably, felony charges have been approved against three individuals: Cassidy Boyle, charged with criminal damage to property; Eman Abdelhadi and Andre Carter, both facing charges of aggravated battery to a police officer.
The protests intensified following early demonstrations in September, where federal agents confronted protesters with physical force, including chemical agents and less-lethal projectiles. In response to these confrontations, state officials announced the launch of the Unified Command mission, which aims to protect protesters’ rights while maintaining public safety. Pritzker emphasized this goal during an October 5 press conference: “I could not in good faith allow federal agents to continue inciting violence against people who were there to express their First Amendment rights.”
Despite this commitment, the Unified Command’s operations have resulted in numerous arrests, leading to allegations that the enforcement actions contradict Pritzker’s stated objectives. The governor’s office has not addressed inquiries regarding criticisms of the mission.
Most arrests have been carried out by the Illinois State Police, which accounted for over 80 percent of detentions prior to a notable incident on November 7, when 14 protesters were arrested during a sit-in. State Police spokesperson Melaney Arnold stated that while most demonstrators have been peaceful, law enforcement will respond to any unlawful activity that threatens public safety.
Protesters, however, describe a different reality. A’Keisha Lee, who has participated in the protests for ten consecutive weeks, reported being physically assaulted during a September demonstration. On October 17, she was among those arrested, despite following police instructions to march down Beach Street. “I think I got there at 7:45 a.m., and then, within a couple moments, I was in custody by 8:10,” she recounted, detailing how officers used batons and zip ties during her arrest.
In the aftermath of the protests, several individuals expressed their reluctance to return due to fears of retribution and arrest. One protester, who requested anonymity, stated, “It’s a war of attrition… If people are going to continue to show up and protest, we’ll just continue to arrest them.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among demonstrators regarding the potential for escalating police presence and actions.
Legal experts suggest that local and state police will remain active in Broadview for the foreseeable future. A federal judge recently blocked the deployment of the National Guard in Chicago, citing the Unified Command mission as a sufficient measure to maintain order.
Concerns about the balance between public safety and the protection of constitutional rights continue to be raised. Civil rights attorney Joe DiCola criticized the disconnect between the mission’s stated purpose and the use of force by the Illinois State Police. “There is a real disconnect between the stated purpose of the Unified Command and the violent force… being used to repress free speech,” he noted.
The situation remains tense as protests persist, with many calling for a reevaluation of the authorities’ approach to managing demonstrations. Activists, including Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, have urged Pritzker to take action, highlighting the ongoing arrests of protesters as a pressing issue.
As the protests continue, the tension between activists and law enforcement is likely to shape the discourse surrounding immigration enforcement and civil liberties in Illinois.
