UPDATE: The Broadview Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously rejected a controversial ordinance aimed at restricting the expansion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) properties during a heated meeting on October 12, 2023. This decision came amidst mounting public skepticism and confusion over the proposal’s implications, as residents packed the village hall to voice their concerns.
The rejected proposal, presented by Broadview Building Commissioner and Economic Director David Upshaw, sought to impose stringent requirements on any future detention centers, including a mandate for a special use permit and a prohibition on locations within 1,000 feet of residential areas, schools, daycares, and other sensitive sites. Despite these restrictions, many residents argued that the plan did not adequately safeguard Broadview from further ICE expansion.
Public sentiment during the meeting was palpable, with speakers expressing fears that the ordinance would merely offer “permission with conditions” for ICE operations. Allisan Galvan, a resident from nearby Addison, criticized the proposal, stating, “Nowhere in this document does it say to do the one thing that would truly protect Broadview: It does not prohibit private prisons or detention centers outright.”
Residents’ frustration was echoed by Janelle Miller, a Broadview local, who called for more transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process. “I believe this is something that shouldn’t be voted on until we know what this is actually about,” Miller stressed. “The language isn’t clear… We have to be part of the process, and at this point, I do not feel part of the process.”
This intense public backlash is significant, particularly as the proposal emerged amid reports of the Trump administration seeking additional Chicago properties to bolster ICE operations. The Zoning Board’s rejection of the ordinance does not mark the end of potential expansion, as the Village Board could still override the decision with a supermajority vote, leaving residents on edge about the future of ICE in their community.
Today’s developments signal a critical moment for Broadview, a town already grappling with the implications of increased immigration enforcement. Protests against ICE’s existing detention center in the area have been frequent, reflecting a community deeply divided on this contentious issue.
As the situation continues to evolve, residents are urged to remain engaged and informed about upcoming Village Board discussions. The community’s push for clearer regulations around ICE operations is likely to remain a focal point in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
