Protest Outside ICE Facility Could Bring Thousands To Broadview: Village

BROADVIEW, IL — While organizers of Saturday's "No Kings Protest" have assured Village officials a peaceful demonstration, an expectation of between 2,000 and 5,000 people outside the facility being used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will result in "significant"public safety preparations and temporary road closures.

The protest, planned between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., will feature prominent voices of the movement from Chicago, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, according to an online flyer. It is being put on by American Opposition, which describes itself as "a non-profit, non-connected political action committee created to counter the rise of fascism in the United States of America."

"Village officials, in coordination with regional public safety agencies, have maintained ongoing communication with the event organizer, Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos, through in-person meetings and written correspondence to support preparedness and public safety," Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said. "I appreciate Mr. Alvarez-Aranyos' cooperation and open dialogue throughout this process and his commitment to facilitate a peaceful First Amendment demonstration that aims to reinforce the message that the United States is a democracy committed to the rule of law, and not the rule of kings or tyrants."

Due to the anticipated size of the demonstration, Broadview officials are coordinating closely with state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of residents, businesses, demonstrators, and first responders, according to the Village.

The Broadview Police Department will be working in conjunction with the Illinois State Police, Cook County Sheriff's Police, the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, and the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System "to maintain order and security throughout the event."

Officials announced multiple road closures being implemented beginning as early as 7 a.m. on Saturday. The following closures will be in effect:

• Closure of the I-290 southbound ramp at 25th Avenue
• No access from Indian Joe Road to Lexington Street
• Closure of westbound traffic on Lexington Street from 25th Avenue

In addition, if crowd movement requires further safety measures, the Village said 25th Avenue may be closed between Lexington Street and Roosevelt Road.

While the processing facility at 1930 Beach St. has been used for immigration-related functions since 2006, it became central to the efforts of ICE and the federal government when "Operation Midway Blitz" launched in September of last year. Demonstrations and protests outside the facility have resulted in countless arrests and confrontations between the public and federal agents.

In November 2025, Thompson issued a declaration of emergency in response to a series of threats against her and Village Hall in the wake of immigration enforcement in the suburb. A specific death threat was made against the mayor in October (FBI was notified), alongside a telephone bomb threat targeting Village Hall the prior month.

RELATED: Death, Bomb Threats Prompt Civil Emergency Order In Broadview — Mayor

In addition, "out-of-town" protesters and non-Broadview residents attempted to "storm" Village Hall on Nov. 15. The Broadview Police Department said the group "explicitly" threatened to shut down a board of trustees meeting.

For Saturday's protest, Thompson is encouraging motorists to plan alternate routes and allow for additional travel time during the demonstration hours. Residents are being advised to complete necessary errands outside the affected timeframe when possible.

"The Village of Broadview remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of peaceful assembly while prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of all community members," Thompson said.

RELATED:

• ICE Fence Taken Down At Broadview Facility — Mayor
• 18 Arrested Outside Broadview ICE Facility Over Weekend — Police
• Protesters Arrested Outside ICE Facility In Broadview — Reports
• Mayor Asks Feds To 'Stop War On Broadview' At ICE Facility
• Protester Hit By Truck Near ICE Facility — Police