CHICAGO — Illinois Democratic congressional candidates said they were tear-gassed, shot with pepper balls, and shoved to the ground by federal agents while protesting President Donald Trump’s immigration surge on Friday at the ICE detention facility in Broadview, a Chicago suburb.
Protesters have gathered outside the facility in mostly peaceful demonstrations since U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids began earlier this month. On Friday, tensions escalated as agents body-slammed protesters, fired tear gas, and released pepper balls that created clouds of white powder.
Kat Abughazaleh, a Democratic candidate, said she was tear-gassed and shoved twice while sitting to block vehicle access to the facility. She shared social media footage showing heavily armed agents lifting her and throwing her to the ground, injuring her hand and leaving large bruises on her right side. “It was painful, but it could have been worse,” she said.
Two large-scale ICE operations that began in early September have drawn sharp criticism from Illinois officials, including Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said that “rioters assaulted law enforcement, threw tear gas cans, slashed tires, blocked the entrance of the building, and trespassed on private property.” Three people were arrested, according to the agency.
In a separate incident Thursday, Democratic politicians in New York were arrested during a protest at an ICE facility.
Daniel Biss, mayor of Evanston and a congressional candidate, said he was also hit by tear gas while protesting with dozens of others. “I was totally unable to breathe and eventually found myself stumbling over on the ground trying to regain my breath,” he said. Volunteer medics helped wash the tear gas from his face, guided him into a recovery position, and advised him on handling his contaminated clothes.
One protester, wearing swim goggles, an N95 mask, and a T-shirt that read “Vote,” carried an American flag and a sign stating “Hands off Chicago,” which has appeared on lawns and apartment windows across the city in recent weeks.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Leave a Reply