We fully support Mayor Katrina Thompson of Broadview, Illinois, and the Broadview Police Department in their efforts to protect their city and the citizens’ trust from unwarranted ICE actions.
Broadview is a proud, close-knit community within the 7th Congressional District, led by Mayor Thompson—the first African American woman to serve as mayor in the village’s history. In recent weeks, Broadview has found itself at the center of national attention due to escalated actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Broadview Processing Center. Federal agents have used tear gas, pepper balls, and other aggressive tactics near residential areas, raising alarms about the safety of local families and the disruption of everyday civic life.
Local officials, including Mayor Thompson and the Broadview Police Department, have voiced concern that such actions threaten not only the physical safety of their residents but also the trust that is essential between government and the governed. Earlier this summer, members of Illinois’ congressional delegation, including myself, were denied access to the Broadview facility as part of our oversight duties, underscoring a troubling lack of transparency and accountability from ICE.
As representatives of this community, we cannot allow federal agencies to endanger our neighborhoods or undermine public confidence. We stand with Mayor Thompson and local law enforcement in affirming that the people of Broadview deserve safety, respect, and transparency. Protecting civil liberties and preserving community trust must be at the heart of any action taken in our district.
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