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Frequently Asked Questions and Misconceptions
This section addresses frequently asked question and common misunderstandings related to law enforcement’s presence and public safety operations surrounding the federal immigration facility in Broadview.
- Illinois law enforcement is assisting ICE with civil immigration enforcement.
- The Illinois TRUST Act prohibits police form being near the ICE facility.
- What is the Unified Command and who is part of it?
- Is the Unified Command enforcing federal immigration law?
- I saw Illinois law enforcement officers talking with ICE or federal agents. Are they assisting in civil immigration enforcement?
- I see videos of Illinois law enforcement arresting protesters. Why are they violating our rights and assisting ICE?
- Illinois law enforcement isn't allowed to help ICE, so why are officers clearing roads or arresting people who block federal vehicles or approach federal facilities?
- I saw police in helmets with batons beating protestors. How is that lawful?
- I saw a video where a police officer pushed an unarmed protester with a baton. How is that lawful or acceptable?
- If a police officer pushed me, that is battery and the officer should be arrested.
- A police officer pushed me with a baton and I fell down. That officer can be arrested and charged.
- What gives police the right to determine an unlawful assembly?
- Official Illinois Law Enforcement Information Sources
No, Illinois law enforcement agencies do not participate in federal civil immigration enforcement. Civil Immigration enforcment is the responsibility of the federal government.
No, the TRUST Act does not prohibit Illinois law enforcement from performing public safety duties, even if the performance of those duties occurs near a federal facility.
The Unified Command, which consists of the Broadview Police Department, Cook County Sheriff's Office, and Illinois State Police, is a state and local public safety coordination structure organized to support public safety operations.
No. The Unified Command is a state and local coordination effort focused on public safety and does not engage in or support civil immigration enforcement operations.
No. Illinois law enforcement may communicate with federal agencies to coordinate on public safty matters (e.g., traffic safety) but does not engage in civil immigration enforcement.
Protesters may be arrested for engaging in unlawful conduct, such as acts of violence, damaging property, blocking roadways/emergency access, or refusing to follow lawful orders. By enforcing Illinois public safety laws, Illinois law enforcement officers are not engaging in civil immigration enforcement on behalf of ICE.
Illinois law enforcement does not assist with immigration enforcement. Clearing roads and enforcing restricted areas are public safety functions to ensure roads are open for emergency access and to protect pedestrians and motorists.
Law enforcment officers may use reasonable force when necessary to address unlawful behavior, protect safety, and restore order when lawful commands are not obeyed.
Social media videos often do not show the full context of a situation. Law enforcement may use reasonable force in certain circumstances, including when necessary to address unlawful behavior or refusal to comply with an officer’s lawful order. Any use of force undergoes supervisory review to determine whether the appropriate level of force was utilized and to identify if any training or corrective action is necessary.
Law enforcement may engage in reasonable and necessary force when performing lawful duties. Any complaints about the conduct of the Illinois law enforcement officers can be raised through the established complaint process of the specific law enforcement agency.
• Broadview Police Department: https://broadview-il.gov/village-services/police/
• Cook County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.cookcountysheriffil.gov
• Illinois State Police: https://isp.illinois.gov
All allegations of unlawful use of force are taken seriously. Determinations about whether a particular use of force was valid are made after a review of the evidence and the context, and if necessary, addressed through appropriate accountability process.
Protesting is a protected activity, but a gathering may be considered unlawful based on specific behavior and how it impacts safety (for example, violence, threats, safety risks, or continued violoations after lawful orders).
• Broadview Police Department: https://broadview-il.gov/village-services/police/
• Cook County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.cookcountysheriffil.gov
• Illinois State Police: https://isp.illinois.gov
• Office of the Illinois Attorney General: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/
All emergencies or situations requiring immediate response should be reported by calling 911.