Rep. Underwood Slams ‘Terrible’ Conditions at Broadview ICE Facility

UPDATE: Rep. Lauren Underwood has condemned the conditions at the Broadview ICE Facility during a groundbreaking visit on October 16, 2023. This is the first time a member of Congress has toured the facility since the start of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Midway Blitz operation, which has faced significant scrutiny for its treatment of detainees.

Underwood’s visit comes after months of requests for access, highlighting a troubling lack of transparency. “It looks terrible. It’s not a place where you want to spend time,” she remarked after a more than 90-minute tour that notably took place without any detainees or detention officers present due to an ongoing security upgrade.

The facility’s conditions have drawn sharp criticism following a federal judge’s recent order requiring improvements. Underwood described the holding cells as “unacceptable,” noting that each cell contained a toilet that would be uncomfortable for anyone to use in such a setting. She expressed concern that the treatment of immigrants and citizens at the facility is “not making us more safe.”

During her tour, Underwood faced obstacles in her attempts to access the facility earlier, stating, “They said ‘No,’ several times. And yet, they want more money.” This statement underscores a growing frustration with DHS, particularly as they seek additional funding while not allowing Congressional oversight.

The facility had reportedly housed dozens of detainees at a time under dire conditions, which some have labeled as inhumane. Attorney Nate Eimer, representing plaintiffs in ongoing litigation against DHS, stated, “The government has gotten itself into a jam by rounding up as many people as they have without having facilities to maintain them.”

Despite the facility currently not housing individuals overnight, plans to triple staffing and expand office space signal a potential ramp-up of immigration enforcement actions in the Chicago area. Underwood left the facility with a sense of urgency, emphasizing that substantial work remains to be done to address the treatment of detainees.

This urgent situation in Broadview is part of a broader discussion on immigration enforcement and the conditions under which individuals are held. As developments unfold, the implications of Underwood’s findings may prompt significant changes within DHS and its handling of detainee welfare.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.