Protests by faith leaders at a Chicago ICE facility resulted in nearly two dozen arrests on November 14, 2025. The demonstration occurred outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing center located in Broadview, Illinois. This facility has become a focal point for activists opposing the current administration’s immigration policies.
Details of the Protest
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 21 individuals were detained during the protest. However, specific information regarding their identities and any charges filed has not been released. Among those arrested was Michael Woolf, a minister at Lake Street Church in Evanston, who was seen being taken into custody.
Tensions Rise Over Immigration Policies
Since President Donald Trump escalated ICE operations in Chicago in September, tensions have surged. Activists have frequently confronted law enforcement, leading to clashes that involved the use of crowd-control measures, including tear gas and less-lethal rounds.
Legal Developments in Immigration Enforcement
In a related development, a federal judge in October restricted some of the more aggressive crowd-control techniques employed by ICE and Border Patrol, particularly the use of tear gas without adequate warning.
On the same day as the protest, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Cummings ordered the release of 13 individuals allegedly detained unlawfully by ICE. This ruling came after the judge determined that ICE had violated a 2022 legal agreement, which restricts warrantless arrests.
Community Reactions
The community’s response to the ongoing ICE activities has been robust, with increased organization among groups resisting the administration’s immigration approach. The situation remains fluid, with potential for additional confrontations as legal and political battles unfold.
Key Takeaways
- 21 arrests occurred during protests at the Broadview ICE facility.
- Michael Woolf, a local minister, was among those detained.
- Protests have intensified since the Trump administration increased ICE enforcement in September 2025.
- A federal judge imposed limits on aggressive crowd-control tactics used by ICE.
- Legal rulings are impacting the detention policies of ICE in the Chicago area.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE have yet to respond publicly to the protests or the recent legal decisions affecting their operations.
