Broadview DHS protest charges dropped for 19 of 21 people arrested in November. On Feb. 9, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office dismissed the state charges, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Faith leaders joined the demonstration in Broadview, Illinois, to condemn DHS actions. They also criticized the agency for blocking clergy from offering Communion and pastoral care to immigrant detainees inside.
Clergy describe arrest tactics
The Rev. Michael Woolf, an American Baptist minister at Lake Street Church in Evanston, called the charges “egregious.” He described a dramatic arrest that left bruises across his body. Woolf said he felt relief and that the charges never belonged in court. He added that officers who hurt him looked confused when prosecutors dropped the case.
Focus stays on detainees
Woolf said he welcomed the reprieve but wanted attention focused on migrants held at the facility. He condemned what he called “evil tactics” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He said his suffering paled in comparison to what communities endure. He also urged officials to end prosecutions tied to peaceful protest.
Two cases continue
Two people still face state charges linked to the November protest, including an organizer of faith communities. Woolf called that outcome “reprehensible,” so he asked the state’s attorney to drop all remaining protest charges. He said he would pray for a just result. The continued cases keep the legal fight alive, even as most defendants walk free.
Kardon cites sacred protest
The Rev. Hannah Kardon, a United Methodist minister, still faces state charges from a similar protest weeks earlier. Video shows her praying, and then the police threw her to the ground. She said officers hit demonstrators with a baton, and she later found bruises on her leg. Kardon praised the dismissals, but she warned that prosecutors still target dozens “for no reason.” She called Broadview protests sacred acts of care amid claims detainees lacked food, water, hygiene, safety, and access to law, faith, and family.
Federal cases and DHS mockery
Activists described a wider wave of confrontations outside Broadview, including tear gas and pepper balls. Footage appeared to show agents striking the Rev. David Black in the head with pepper balls. DHS also mocked protesters, and its social media called demonstrators “imbecilic morons.” Meanwhile, six protesters face federal charges as the “Broadview Six,” including candidate Kat Abughazaleh and Oak Park trustee Brian Straw. Clergy backed Straw in court, and they called him “one of ours.”
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Charges dropped against some clergy arrested for protesting DHS in Chicago
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