DHS Blames Pritzker After Anti-ICE Riot Disrupts Broadview Operation
- DHS says state and local authorities failed to assist federal agents during a violent protest.
- Federal officials describe arrests and assaults as part of a targeted ICE operation.
- Illinois leaders deny obstruction and call for coordination while defending protest rights.
The Department of Homeland Security publicly criticized Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker after a chaotic anti-ICE riot in a Chicago suburb forced federal authorities to use tear gas and other non-lethal measures. DHS says the violence blocked an ICE processing facility in Broadview and interfered with an operation detaining individuals with serious criminal histories. The department alleges local police “under JB Pritzker’s sanctuary jurisdiction refused to answer multiple calls for assistance.”
Fox News Digital reported last Friday that federal officials clashed with protesters who blocked ICE vehicles from entering and exiting the facility. DHS labeled the protesters “rioters” and said federal law enforcement arrested 16 people so far. The agency accused the crowd of throwing tear gas canisters, rocks, bottles, and fireworks, slashing tires, trespassing, and assaulting officers.
Matt Hill, a spokesperson for Pritzker, pushed back to Fox News Digital, saying: “it’s completely false to suggest the state or local municipalities have been obstructing federal officials.” He also said the state “has not received multiple calls for assistance from the federal government and would remind them of the importance of coordinating with local law enforcement to protect public safety.” Hill added, “Governor Pritzker has been clear that violence is unacceptable and everyone needs to follow the law, which includes federal agents respecting constitutional rights to peaceful protest.”
“The media needs to use extreme caution before reporting what the Trump administration is saying given their record of lies, lack of transparency, and failure to coordinate with the state and local law enforcement,” said Hill. That quote reflects the administration-state blame game playing out in public while the facts on the ground remain contested. Meanwhile, federal officials maintain their account of obstruction and violence at the processing center.
DHS described the operation as targeting “some of the worst of the worst—including criminals convicted of drug trafficking, domestic abuse, drinking and driving, and assault,” who were being processed at the facility. The agency highlighted several detainees it called criminal illegals, including Andres Ventura-Uvaldo and Alberto Algeria Barron, both described as having prior arrests or convictions. Other names listed by DHS include individuals charged or convicted in drug and violent offense cases.
“These heinous criminals, including domestic abusers, drug traffickers, violent offenders, and drunk drivers are some of the illegal aliens being held in the ICE Broadview Processing Center,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “These rioters in Illinois are fighting to keep rapists, murderers, and other violent criminals loose on Illinois streets,” she added, urging protesters to consider the public safety stakes. DHS also warns ICE agents are facing a spike in assaults while conducting operations across Illinois.
The clash spotlights deep tensions over immigration enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions and the challenge of coordinating federal operations with states that resist aggressive ICE action. Republicans and law-and-order advocates will use this incident to argue for clearer cooperation and stronger protection for federal officers. Meanwhile, state officials insist on preserving protest rights and call for better communication rather than finger-pointing.
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