ICE Acting Director Condemns 'Violent Rioters' in Broadview, Rebukes Mayor Over Unchecked Protests
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons condemned what he called "violent rioters" at the Broadview, Ill. processing center and rebuked Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson for, he said, heating rhetoric that enabled agitators to escalate and disrupt federal operations. Federal officials say officers deployed tear gas and pepper balls amid thrown projectiles, seized firearms and made multiple arrests as part of the broader Operation Midway Blitz — a Chicagoland enforcement campaign that has netted hundreds of arrests and prompted criticism from local leaders and local probes, including an investigation into a pepper‑ball that struck a CBS reporter’s truck.
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🔍 Key Facts
- DHS launched Operation Midway Blitz in the Chicago area on Sept. 8, integrating Border Patrol efforts led publicly by agent Gregory Bovino; Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited operations in the region and posted video of arrests.
- Federal and agency officials (Acting ERO chief Marcos Charles and others) said the campaign has resulted in roughly 400–550+ arrests so far, and that about 50–60% of arrests were targeted (criminal convictions, final removal orders or other flags) while the remainder were collateral arrests — a practice restored under the current administration.
- ICE and DHS highlighted several high‑risk detentions (naming individuals with prior violent or drug convictions and the re‑arrest of Aldo Salazar Bahena) and said partner agencies assisted in arrests across suburbs and the city.
- Protests at the Broadview ICE processing facility and other Chicago‑area demonstrations repeatedly clashed with federal officers; DHS said officers used tear gas, pepper balls and other less‑lethal measures after protesters allegedly threw projectiles, slashed tires, blocked access, and that some arrested protesters were carrying firearms.
- A pepper‑ball projectile fired from the direction of the ICE facility struck a CBS Chicago reporter's truck, causing acute chemical exposure; Broadview Police opened a criminal investigation and sought DHS cooperation.
- DHS released images of firearms allegedly taken from protesters and said investigators discovered what 'appears to be' an explosive device outside the ICE facility; DHS also said multiple state and local requests for assistance went unanswered, prompting federal crowd‑control actions.
- Local leaders and activists pushed back — Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson accused ICE of endangering the community, Chicago Ald. Andre Vasquez and others criticized the operation, and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss said he warned residents and disabled shared license‑plate readers to limit local cooperation — while ICE officials (and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons in a letter) condemned what they called 'violent rioters' and rebuked the mayor for rhetoric they say enabled escalation.
📰 Sources (18)
ICE chief fires back at Chicago-area mayor, cites ‘violent rioters’ after weeks of Broadview unrest
New information:
- Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons sent a follow-up letter to Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson criticizing her for 'heating up the rhetoric' and enabling agitators to escalate violence.
- ICE stated that in the 'past week alone' protesters have been arrested for assault and obstruction and that three arrested individuals were carrying loaded firearms to protest at the Broadview processing center.
- Mayor Katrina Thompson had sent a letter accusing ICE of 'making war' on her community and 'endangering nearby village residents'; ICE responded accusing her of 'distorting reality.'
- ICE alleges repeated requests for assistance from state and local law enforcement (including Broadview Police Department) went unanswered, forcing federal officers to take crowd-control measures (tear gas, pepper balls) to protect operations.
Investigation launched after feds shot pepper ball at CBS Chicago reporter's truck
New information:
- Broadview Police Department has launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
- Police Chief Thomas Mills issued a statement saying the department expects full cooperation from DHS in the probe.
- CBS reporter Asal Rezaei provided an on‑the‑record account that a masked ICE agent fired a pepper ball from the direction of the facility, striking her truck’s driver‑side panel and causing chemical exposure; she declined medical attention.
Things to know about federal law enforcement activity in Chicago, Portland, Memphis
New information:
- Provides broader context that dozens of armed federal agents (CBP/Border Patrol) patrolled downtown Chicago (Michigan Avenue, Chicago River) in full tactical gear during the same weekend;
- Names Border Patrol agent Gregory Bovino among agents on downtown patrols and reports his comment that there were 'several arrests', plus local leaders’ strong public criticism (Mayor Johnson, Gov. Pritzker).
Investigation launched after feds shot pepper ball at CBS Chicago reporter's truck
New information:
- Broadview Police Department has launched a criminal investigation into an incident in which a pepper‑ball projectile fired from the direction of the ICE facility struck a CBS Chicago reporter's truck.
- Reporter Asal Rezaei reported acute chemical exposure (face burning, vomiting) after a pepper ball hit the driver's‑side panel; she declined medical attention at the scene.
- Police Chief Thomas Mills publicly requested full cooperation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the local criminal probe; DHS had not responded to CBS at time of reporting.
DHS releases images of firearms taken from Chicago anti-ICE protesters
New information:
- DHS publicly released images of firearms confiscated from protesters at the Chicago ICE detention facility.
- DHS said an investigation is underway after discovery of 'what appears to be' an explosive device outside the Chicago ICE facility.
- DHS wrote that '11 violent rioters were arrested last night in Chicago,' a higher arrest count than earlier reports tied to the Broadview demonstrations.
- Contextual linkage noted to Operation Midway Blitz and the recent Dallas ICE rooftop shooting in officials' public statements.
Chicago anti-ICE protesters block vehicles, get hit with tear gas and pepper balls
New information:
- Federal agents deployed pepper balls in addition to tear gas during the Sept. 26 Broadview protest.
- At least ~50 protesters were present during the midday demonstration.
- Two people were arrested at this demonstration, one reported to be carrying a firearm.
- Fox News ties the standoff directly to Operation Midway Blitz and references a contemporaneous DHS statement posted on X.
Trump officials slam blue state governor for ignoring chaotic anti-ICE ‘rioters’ disrupting operation
New information:
- DHS issued a Monday statement accusing Illinois authorities of failing to assist during a chaotic anti‑ICE protest at the Broadview processing facility, claiming calls for help went unanswered.
- Federal officers used tear gas and other less‑lethal measures; DHS says 16 'rioters' were arrested.
- DHS alleges protesters threw rocks, bottles, fireworks, and tear‑gas canisters back at officers, slashed tires, blocked facility access, and trespassed.
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s spokesperson Matt Hill denied obstruction, said the state did not receive multiple calls for assistance, and warned media to treat Trump administration claims with caution.
- DHS highlighted several detainees being processed as 'worst of the worst,' naming individuals with prior convictions including felony DUI, domestic violence, drug trafficking, and fentanyl distribution.
ICE denies using excessive force as it broadens immigration arrests in Chicago
New information:
- Updated tally: nearly 550 arrests since Operation Midway Blitz began Sept. 8, up from 400+ previously reported.
- ICE acting ERO head Marcos Charles says agents are using an 'appropriate' amount of force and blames an uptick in noncompliance on activist rhetoric.
- AP ride-along details a predawn Park Ridge stop resulting in two arrests, including a collateral arrest after officers boxed in a vehicle.
- AP notes a military deployment to Chicago 'has yet to materialize' amid broader enforcement activity.
ICE denies using excessive force as it broadens immigration arrests in Chicago
New information:
- AP ride-along details an early-morning Operation Midway Blitz action in a Chicago suburb where agents boxed in a vehicle, made a collateral arrest, and later arrested the primary target after dawn.
- Acting ERO chief Marcos Charles says there is an "uptick in people that are not compliant," attributing it to activist rhetoric, and asserts agents are using an "appropriate" amount of force.
- Chicago Ald. Andre Vasquez, who chairs the City Council’s immigrant and refugee rights committee, criticized ICE and blamed the administration for escalation.
- Article notes fears of a military deployment to Chicago have not materialized.
- AP cites activist-flagged incidents elsewhere (e.g., window-smashing videos, a San Diego restaurant confrontation, and a masked-arrest near Tufts) as context for claims of aggressive tactics.
Democratic congressional candidate thrown to ground during chaotic anti-ICE protest
New information:
- Video shows Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh shoved to the ground while blocking an ICE vehicle during a Broadview, IL protest.
- Local ABC7 reported three protesters were arrested outside the ICE facility and that officials deployed riot-control smoke to disperse crowds.
- Abughazaleh alleged agents used pepper balls and tear gas; DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused her of obstructing justice and seeking attention.
- Additional footage shows Abughazaleh immediately reapproaching agents after being pushed back.
More than 400 arrests made so far in Chicago area enforcement operation, top ICE official says
New information:
- ICE acting ERO chief Marcos Charles says more than 400 arrests have been made in the Chicago-area 'Midway Blitz' operation to date.
- Approximately 50%–60% of arrests are targeted (criminal convictions, final removal orders, or other flags); the remainder are collateral arrests.
- Charles said the campaign has no set end date: 'There’s not an end date in sight.'
- Operation launched Sept. 8 and involves other federal agencies assisting ICE; arrests cited include those made by partner agencies.
- Report notes two U.S. citizens were briefly detained this week and references a Sept. 12 fatal shooting by an ICE officer during a traffic stop where an officer was allegedly dragged.
- Confirms collateral arrests are again permitted under the Trump administration after being restricted under Biden.
Operation Midway Blitz commander rebuts Pritzker’s ‘crazy rhetoric,' warns it could lead to violence
New information:
- Operation Midway Blitz commander Gregory Bovino publicly rebutted Gov. JB Pritzker’s accusation that agents target people based on skin color or accent.
- Bovino warned that such 'crazy rhetoric' from elected officials can lead to violence against law enforcement.
- He said the operation has achieved 'great success' with 'several hundred' arrests in the Chicago area so far.
- Bovino emphasized agents target immigration-law violators and 'criminal illegal aliens,' not people based on race or language.
DHS ‘blitzes’ Chicagoland, netting ‘many arrests’ as Noem onsite for immigration crackdown
New information:
- DHS integrated Border Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino’s 'Operation At-Large' with ICE’s 'Operation Midway Blitz' in Chicagoland; Bovino shared a video entering the city and said 'many arrests' were underway.
- Kristi Noem was on site for a predawn Elgin operation where a tactical team served a felony illegal re-entry warrant, including an 'explosive' entry, per Border Patrol sources.
- Noem said arrests included suspects for assault, DUI, and felony stalking and posted a video of a suspect being led out pre-dawn.
- ICE re-arrested Aldo Salazar Bahena, a convicted gang member and murderer, after Stateville Correctional Center released him despite an ICE detainer; ICE located him three days after his release. He has a 2016 final removal order.
- Background details on Salazar Bahena: came as a lawful permanent resident in 1998, lost status upon 2016 conviction in Kane County tied to a 2005 murder.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visits Chicago area amid ICE operations
New information:
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in the Chicago area Tuesday morning amid heightened ICE operations and departed shortly before 10 a.m.
- Noem posted a nighttime arrests video to X that matches a separate Facebook video of an ICE raid in Elgin, Illinois.
- Her tweet referenced the Franklin Park incident where an ICE agent was dragged and the driver was fatally shot, while clarifying the posted video was not from that incident.
Tensions over immigration escalate in Chicago
New information:
- Protests broke out in Chicago on Saturday against President Trump's immigration crackdown.
- Catholic clergy led a 'People's Mass' outside Naval Station Great Lakes.
- Naval Station Great Lakes will be used by ICE as a staging area for deportations.
- CBS correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez embedded with ICE agents in Chicago for a day.
- Demonstrations occurred in Chicago opposing the immigration crackdown.
- Clergy held a 'People’s Mass' outside Naval Station Great Lakes.
- The base is slated to serve as an ICE staging area for deportations.
- CBS spent a day on ride-alongs with ICE agents in Chicago.
Video shows Charlie Kirk's assassin jumping off rooftop as manhunt intensifies and more top headlines
New information:
- No substantive new information; headline frames the Chicago effort as an immigration crackdown led by a Border Patrol 'tough guy.'
- Border enforcement official shifts to Chicago
- Local leaders express concern over crackdown
Chicago-area mayor, congressional candidate brags about lengths he's gone to flummox ICE
New information:
- Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss says he warned residents on Tuesday based on a senior state official’s intel that ICE was likely coming to Evanston in the coming days
- Biss ordered Evanston’s license plate reader cameras turned off after learning the data was being shared, to avoid aiding federal civil immigration enforcement
- He stated Evanston has strong sanctuary laws to prevent local police cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement
- Biss told CNN he is 'in the dark' about DHS’s specific plans for Illinois
- He said he used 'rapid response training' to watch for potential ICE personnel during a Mexican Independence Day parade to keep people safe
- Biss, a Democrat running to succeed Rep. Jan Schakowsky in 2026, publicly defended his steps and responded to criticism from an RNC-linked account
- Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss took steps to limit cooperation with ICE amid DHS’s Operation Midway Blitz in the Chicago area
- Actions included warning residents and shutting off city license plate readers after learning data was being shared
- Biss cited state-level intel suggesting imminent ICE activity and said DHS has not briefed local officials on plans
Architect of LA ICE raids reportedly arrives in Chicago as focus shifts to Windy City, agent's history
New information:
- Gregory Bovino, linked to LA immigration raids, has reportedly arrived in Chicago to help lead Operation Midway Blitz.
- DHS says the operation targets the 'worst of the worst' criminal undocumented immigrants and honors DUI victim Katie Abraham; Border Patrol would not confirm Bovino’s role.