Judge says federal agents violated First Amendment rights during protests at Broadview ICE facility; charges dropped against some protesters

CHICAGO (WGN) – The Dirksen Federal Courthouse saw a fair share of activity on Wednesday all centered around protests at the Broadview ICE facility and the conduct of federal agents.

Luci Mazur was one of nearly a dozen people arrested outside the Broadview ICE processing facility in late September. The prosecution, however said new video surfaced that cleared her case.

“Very scary, but I’m just glad it’s all over with,” Mazur said.

On Wednesday, two other cases were also thrown out.

“The grand jurors obviously stood up for First Amendment right to protest and also reject gestapo-type troops in Chicago and the communities,” attorney Richard Kling said.

Kling’s clients, 31-year-old Ray Collins and his wife, 30-year-old Joceylyne Robledo, were charged with felony assault of a federal officer.

Both were legally carrying loaded handguns at the time, but prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss the complaint after a grand jury refused to indict the couple.

Another large development was a judge ruling in favor of a group comprised of clergy members, residents and journalists, saying federal agents violated the group’s First Amendment rights during protests outside the Broadview facility.

The judge granted a temporary restraining order that will take effect later this week.

The judge ordered federal agents to follow use of force and crowd control training they received in a way that does not violate freedom of speech, the press or religious expression.

Pastor David Black of First Presbyterian Church of Chicago is part of the federal lawsuit and was hurt during demonstrations while taking part in a prayer vigil. During the demonstrations, officers opened fire on him, hitting him in the head and body with pepper balls.

The judge found a pattern and practice of agents at the Broadview ICE processing center targeting people peacefully protesting or in prayer with tear gas, flash bang grenades and rubber bullets.

Members of the media said conditions have affected their ability to safely report from the site.

Mazur, meanwhile, was pleased with Wednesday’s developments and said she won’t stop demonstrating.

“I will be peacefully protesting as it is my right,” Mazur said. “It is our right to protest such a government to not be deterred. Keep your head high.”

The judge also said agents are still allowed to use force if people are resisting or assualting officers, but if someone is peaceful, these tactics are not allowed to be used.

There will be another court hearing Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and then a 48-hour window to disseminate the order, which would then officially be in place by Friday.

If agents violate the order, they could be held in contempt of court.