21 arrested, 4 officers injured as faith leaders clash with police outside Broadview ICE facility
Clergy arrested seeking communion access as judge orders releases
Twenty-one people, including 15 clergy, were arrested Nov. 14, 2025, at Broadview ICE facility after demonstrators pushed past barricades trying to deliver communion to detainees. Four officers injured when 50 protesters left designated area. Came one day after federal judge''s rare facility site visit.
Why this matters
Broadview clashes expose tensions between religious freedom and immigration enforcement. Faith leaders argue detainees deserve pastoral care, ICE denies access citing security. Judicial site visit signals courts scrutinizing Operation Midway Blitz detention conditions. Mayor blaming "out-of-town protesters" ignores clergy sought peaceful access first.
Core Facts
21 arrested Nov. 14, 2025, at Broadview ICE facility after clashes with police. About 300 gathered to sing and pray. 15 arrested were clergy. At 9:50 a.m., leader announced they wanted clergy allowed inside to deliver communion. 10 minutes later, some pushed past barricades.
Four officers injured: two Broadview police, one ISP trooper, one Cook County deputy. Two Broadview officers and deputy taken to Loyola Hospital. Mayor Thompson blamed ''out-of-town protesters.''
Protest came one day after federal judge''s rare site visit on Nov. 13. Judge said he could order release of hundreds detained. NIJC and ACLU argued ICE detained hundreds without serious criminal histories.
Broadview has been site of frequent protests against Operation Midway Blitz, which led to 3,200+ arrests in Chicago area since September. Over 100 arrested since unified command began securing protest area last month.
Key Actors
Jillian Westerfield
Associate Minister, Lake Street Church
Said faith leaders gathered to celebrate judicial release order. Explained faith leaders repeatedly requested inside access for religious services and were denied.
Katrina Thompson
Mayor of Broadview
Called violence ''unacceptable'' and blamed ''out-of-town protesters.'' Said ''I have repeatedly pleaded to raise voices, not fists. They chose their fists.''
Actionable Insights
Support detained immigrants'' religious freedom
Contact ICE to demand detained immigrants have access to religious services.
Test Your Knowledge
Ready to put your civic knowledge to the test? Take a quiz on this topic to see how well you understand the key concepts.
Start Quiz17 questions available