On Friday morning, the Illinois State Police participated in a coordinated response in Broadview alongside federal and local agencies. This effort occurred during a protest outside a local ICE processing facility, which has recently seen increased demonstrations.
Illinois State Police Collaborate with ICE in Broadview Protest
The protest drew roughly 100 participants. Tensions escalated after concrete barriers were installed along Beach Street. These barriers aimed to establish a designated protest zone and prevent demonstrators from blocking roadways.
Local Law Enforcement’s Role
Illinois State Police, along with Broadview police and the Cook County Sheriffs’ Department, responded to the protests as part of a unified command. While Illinois law restricts local police from participating in federal immigration enforcement, their involvement in crowd control is deemed compliant with the law.
- Unified Command: A joint effort among various law enforcement agencies was formed for safety.
- Public Safety: The objective was to uphold public order and facilitate the exercise of First Amendment rights.
Legal Framework and Political Reactions
The Illinois TRUST Act limits local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Officers cannot arrest individuals solely based on their immigration status. However, this legislation does not prohibit them from assisting ICE in maintaining public safety during protests.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker reiterated the state’s position on immigration enforcement, emphasizing that law enforcement’s presence aims to protect local communities, not assist in immigration enforcement. Attorney General Kwame Raoul supported ISP’s actions, stating their role is crucial for safeguarding businesses and residences in the vicinity.
Raoul affirmed, “Establishing protest areas and ensuring public road access does not violate the TRUST Act, even when ICE operations occur nearby.” This statement underscores the balance that law enforcement seeks between maintaining order and respecting individual rights amidst ongoing immigration debates.
