To: Illinois Democratic Congressional Leaders

Stop ICE from expanding operations in Broadview in a 200,000 sq ft. Warehouse. "HOUSE OF HELL"

Coalition Against Broadview ICE Facility Petition - Stop ICE from expanding operations in Broadview in a 200,000 sq ft. Warehouse "HOUSE OF HELL)

In Illinois, particularly in communities like Broadview, we have witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking and disruptive actions of ICE agents. They are invading our schools, workplaces, and even our streets to carry out what feels like state-sponsored kidnappings. They target immigrants, our friends, family, and neighbors, using racial profiling tactics, leaving emotional and social scars that affect the entire community.

Now, ICE is planning to escalate its operations by purchasing a building in Broadview, Illinois  along south 25th avenue and Lexington. This would serve as a hub for their agents and a processing center for immigrants, facilitating their unjust detentions and hurried deportations. This expansion is not just a local issue; it resonates with communities throughout the United States, where many are fighting against the unjust and inhumane treatment of immigrants.  Here’s a list of thoughtful points of concerns if ICE purchases a 200,000 square foot warehouse.

• "Public Use/Eminent Domain": The government can only take property for a project that benefits the public. 

The current building 1930 Beach Street is restricted to be inspected for Inhumane practices by Illinois Congressional Leaders. Chicago Sun-Times reports, “U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, both Illinois Democrats, on Friday requested a tour of the Broadview ICE facility that has drawn heated protest for weeks, but they were denied entry,(2025, Armentrout).

According to the Law Offices of Evenson & Becker states, “One of the key requirements for eminent domain is a legitimate public use, such as building a highway or creating a public park. If you believe that the government’s stated purpose for the taking does not meet the public use requirement, you may have grounds to challenge the eminent domain action” (n.a, Evenson, Becker). 

The detrimental impact on our community cannot be understated. The presence of ICE instills fear, breaks families apart, and undermines the very values of freedom and diversity that the United States stands for. The community in Broadview and others across the nation deserve to live without fear of sudden raids and deportations.

Instead of funding expansion, resources could be better spent on programs that support community building, integration, and humanitarian efforts which promote the dignity and rights of all people, regardless of their birthplace. We propose stopping this expansion and redirecting government funds towards efforts that support immigrant communities rather than tearing them apart.

Join us in this fight for justice and sign this petition to demand that ICE cease their plans to purchase this building and focus on humane and fair treatment of all immigrants. Your signature can help make a difference. Let's ensure that our communities remain places of hope and safety for everyone. Please sign this petition today.

References:

Evenson, Becker, (n.a). Lacking public use justification.
https://www.evensondeckerlaw.com/blog/2024/06/3-times-to-consider-fighting-eminent-domain/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20key%20requirements%20for%20eminent,grounds%20to%20challenge%20the%20eminent%20domain%20action.

Armentrout, M., (2025, October, 10).  Illinois Democrats call for investigation of Chicago ICE raids.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/10/10/ice-investigation-chicago-illinois-congressional-democrats-robin-kelly

For further information:

Contact Rabbi Michael Ben Yosef, Human Rights & Anti-Violence Activist
Chicago Activist Coaliton For Justice

Why is this important?

The current building 1930 Beach Street is restricted to be inspected for Inhumane practices by Illinois Congressional Leaders. Chicago Sun-Times reports, “U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, both Illinois Democrats, on Friday requested a tour of the Broadview ICE facility that has drawn heated protest for weeks, but they were denied entry,(2025, Armentrout).

If ICE occupies the current 5000 square foot building and has DENIED entry for routine inspections, how much more would a 200,000 square ft building occupied by ICE would be even worst to inspect.

Armentrout, M., (2025, October, 10).  Illinois Democrats call for investigation of Chicago ICE raids.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/10/10/ice-investigation-chicago-illinois-congressional-democrats-robin-kelly

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