Police confiscate two guns, possible explosive device amid Chicago ICE riot

The unrest began around 5:30 pm when protesters clashed with federal agents as officers attempted to move vehicles at the facility. The confrontation escalated, with agents deploying tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd while detaining multiple individuals. Video showed agents forcing back crowds, pinning protesters to the ground, and confiscating items.

According to CBS News, Customs and Border Protection commander-at-large Greg Bovino was on the scene and led agents in opening gates and pushing into the crowd in repeated efforts to clear the demonstrators. Bovino oversaw immigration operations in California, including arrests outside Home Depot stores and the show of force that took place at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles.

DHS posted on X late Saturday night that firearms were confiscated from rioters during the clash.

“11 violent rioters were arrested last night in Chicago outside the ICE detention facility,” the post said. “These are two guns that were taken off rioters in Chicago right against the fence at our ICE detention facility. An investigation is underway into what appears to be some sort of explosive device found last night near the ICE Chicago detention facility.” The department also released photos of the confiscated weapons.

The Broadview facility has been the site of repeated unrest since the start of Operation Midway Blitz, a federal immigration enforcement initiative in Chicago. DHS reported that rioters have assaulted law enforcement, thrown tear gas cans, slashed tires, blocked the facility’s entrance, and trespassed on private property in recent days.

“Just days after the vile terrorist attack on an ICE Dallas Facility, over 200 rioters gathered outside the Broadview Processing Center in Illinois, and some began chanting 'shoot ICE.' These violent threats and smears about ICE must stop. There is no place in American politics for violence,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a public statement on Friday.