New signs federal immigration operations may be slowing down in the Chicago area were visible on Friday. Randy Gyllenhaal reports.
New signs federal immigration operations may be slowing down in the Chicago area were visible on Friday, on what was a day of conflict but also celebration.
A few protestors lingered outside the Broadview ICE Processing Center in the evening hours, pushing back against federal agents and local protest restrictions.
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WATCH HEREEarlier, 21 people were arrested for blocking the road to the facility, including some faith leaders.
"This an unconstitutional order that restricts our free speech right," one protester said.
The scuffles led to a few officers being injured, according to the village.
Meanwhile, in Chicago’s East Side neighborhood, where tear gas was deployed last month, a vigil was held to pray for 600-plus detainees who could be released on bond after a federal judge’s order.
A judge recently criticized warrantless arrests by the federal government as attorneys for some immigrants alleged only 2.6% of those detained have criminal pasts.
“…of the 614 individuals that only 16 have significant criminal records that the government believes to pose a public safety risk…” Attorney Mark Fleming told NBC Chicago.
The development comes amid new signs the feds' surge may be moving south.
Late Friday, North Chicago officials said the Department of Homeland Security has left Naval Station Great Lakes, the staging base they’ve used for almost two months.
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino has also left Chicago and is expected in Charlotte, where leaders are bracing for the arrival of federal agents.
"We’ve seen what is taking place in other cities across this country, and we will not allow Charlotte to follow that same path," North Carolina State Representative Jordan Lopez said.
DHS said it doesn't forecast operations, and enforcement will continue in Illinois.
While Bovino — who is under scrutiny by federal courts in Chicago — said his job is not done yet.
In an interview on Fox News, he was critical of efforts to release detained immigrants.
"I'll tell you what’s gonna happen, we’re gonna go even harder on the streets if he releases those 650," Bovino said. "We’re gonna apprehend 1.650 on the streets of Chicago."
It’s unclear when those detainees could be released on bond, as they await immigration hearings.
