Rep. Underwood Slams Broadview ICE Facility After First Tour

UPDATE: Representative Lauren Underwood has condemned conditions at the Broadview, Illinois ICE facility, describing them as “terrible” following her first congressional tour of the site in years. The visit comes after long delays and was marked by an absence of detainees and staff due to ongoing security upgrades.

During her more than 90-minute visit on October 30, 2023, Underwood observed the facility firsthand, stating, “It looks terrible. It’s not a place where you want to spend time.” Underwood noted that while each holding cell had a toilet, their conditions were far from acceptable, emphasizing that they would not meet the standards of comfort for any individual.

As the senior House Democrat overseeing funding for Homeland Security, Underwood criticized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for denying her access to the facility multiple times in the past. “They said ‘No,’ several times. And yet, they want more money,” she remarked, highlighting her frustration with the agency’s lack of transparency and accountability.

This tour follows a federal judge’s recent order demanding improvements at the facility, which had been criticized for housing dozens of individuals under inhumane conditions during the peak of the “Midway Blitz” operation. Attorney Nate Eimer, representing plaintiffs in ongoing litigation, stated, “I think the government has gotten itself into a jam by rounding up as many people as they have without having facilities to maintain them at.”

Despite the facility no longer housing individuals overnight, Underwood revealed plans to triple staffing levels and expand office space, raising concerns that immigration enforcement actions in Chicago may soon escalate once again. “It left me feeling like there’s a lot of work that needs to be done,” she declared.

Underwood’s comments underscore a growing urgency around the treatment of immigrants and the need for significant reforms in immigration enforcement practices. As the situation develops, attention turns to whether DHS will respond to these criticisms and make necessary changes to ensure humane conditions.

Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue affecting immigrant rights and local communities.