Broadview ICE facility faces scrutiny over alleged poor conditions, treatment

CHICAGO (WGN) – Over the past few days, families have been reaching out to WGN-TV raising concerns over the conditions inside an ICE processing center in Broadview.

Those families are desperate for answers on what to do next since their loved ones were detained in the South Loop on Wednesday.

The Trump administration’s border czar has acknowledged overcrowding at facilities is an issue, complicating their hopes to deport more people.

The husband of one woman inside the processing center spoke with WGN-TV on Saturday and said he’s alarmed by what his wife told him.

“I’m praying to God every day. I’m asking the people to. I’m asking you people to be humans. Humanity has to prevail,” Dennis Kozel said.

According to Kozel, his wife Dania Yohana Sorto is still inside the ICE processing center in Broadview. She was among several immigrants detained in the South Loop earlier this week when she was told to come in for a check-in appointment.

Kozel said it’s been challenging to get answers on what to do next.

“Today would make four days,” Kozel said. “She has not had access to a shower. She has not had access to feminine hygiene products. She has not been able to change her clothes….they’re sleeping on concrete. They have no information of what’s happening. They don’t even have a clock.”

Kozel said his wife has no criminal history and came from Honduras with her daughter. He added for years she’s been complying with all that was being asked of her while trying to resolve her asylum case, including agreeing to wear an ankle monitor where she could be tracked at all times.

“Every attorney is telling me that under this administration with what’s happening, it’s nearly impossible to do anything. It’s nearly impossible to do anything, and the only slim possibilities are one in one million type situations,” Kozel said.

On Friday, a rally demanded the release of another woman arrested in the same South Loop office.

That woman, Gladis Yolanda Chavez Pineda, is a mother and grandmother with no criminal history, according to officials.

Even though she’s been granted a temporary stay while her case works its way through the courts, her attorneys don’t know if it will be enough to release her.

Friday’s rally also raised concerns about the conditions inside.

WGN-TV tried to get answers, but was unable speak with anyone.

“It’s just unfathomable what’s happening here in the United States of America. They’re detaining people with no due process,” Kozel said. “I’m asking President Trump, I’m asking all the elected officials, I’m asking the people, give these people an opportunity, free my wife. Her story and the thousands of stories have to be heard.”

Kozel added his wife is hearing she could be transferred to another state.

WGN-TV reached out to ICE officials on allegations of conditions inside the Broadview facility and has yet to hear back.