Chicago braces for more ICE raids as immigration enforcement intensifies

BROADVIEW, Ill. — The ICE detention center in west suburban Broadview continues to be the center of large scale immigration raids expected across the Chicago area.

President Donald Trump’s appointed “border czar,” Tom Homan, saying Chicago should expect stepped up raids this week. That was backed up Monday afternoon by a post on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

Meanwhile, at the processing facility in Broadview, WGN News has seen a number of people coming on their own accord, saying that they’ve been summoned by immigration officials. Others are being brought in by agents.

Outside the Broadview ICE detention facility, a uniformed private security guard is coming out to speak with those who were brought in.

The person does not seem to be part of any federal agency, instead a company named Parasys INC. — which appears on the sleeve of their uniform. The private security firm is based outside of D.C., with an office in Chicago.

At Daley Plaza Monday morning, faith leaders gathered against the White House’s immigration raids and threatened federal troop action in Chicago.

Participants called on the president stop what they called “bogus deportations and bogus occupation,” chanting, “Faith over fear! Peace is unity!”

On Sunday, at least five people were caught up in a raid in Chicago’s Archer Heights neighborhood, according to Ald. ld. Jeylu Gutierrez (14th Ward).

One of them a well known street vendor who sold flowers.

U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia of Illinois’ 4th District told WGN-TV it appeared the agents grabbed the vendor off the street and did not show a warrant.

“He’s been a vendor here for quite some time,” Celena Morin said. “You see him consistently, especially on the weekends. (He’s) a very sweet gentleman, never causing problems with anyone, very respectful.”

Surveillance video from a nearby restaurant shows the man being detained by multiple individuals wearing bulletproof vests labelled “police” and “federal agent.”

ICE raids were expected in Chicago over the weekend, and Sunday’s detainments came just a day after thousands of protestors rallied against Trump’s plans to send federal troops to Chicago for expanded immigration enforcement.

So far, there have been no sightings of National Guard troops in Chicago.