Beginning on October 2, 2025 a number of state and local law enforcement agencies were dispatched to the Broadview Detention Center for the stated purpose of being a buffer between protesters and federal law enforcement, for protesters’ safety. Since that time, NLG Chicago has witnessed significant abuses of protesters’ civil rights by the Illinois State Police (ISP) as well as instances of violence by ISP officers against protesters and NLG Legal Observers. Additionally, when protesters have been taken into custody, our volunteer attorneys have faced barriers to accessing clients.
After issuing statements about these abuses, NLG Chicago was invited to meet with the Governor’s Office and ISP. NLG Chicago agreed to the meeting, which occurred on October 23.
Our goal in meeting with ISP and the Governor’s Office was to share what we observed regarding the use of violence by ISP officers and ensure that NLG Legal Observers and volunteer attorneys can safely do their work, including legally observing law enforcement activity and meeting with detained clients. NLG Chicago representatives were clear that our role is as a volunteer legal support organization and we do not negotiate for or speak on behalf of any protester or group of protesters.
During the meeting, representatives from NLG Chicago called on Illinois State Police to:
- End the use of force against protesters engaged in activity protected by the First Amendment, including but not limited to ending the practice of baton strikes to the head and neck.
- Provide adequate warning, direction, and time for protesters to respond when issuing dispersal orders.
- Ensure that ISP officers are trained regarding First Amendment activity, and to respect the lawful role that NLG Legal Observers play in protecting such activity.
- Ensure that ISP officers do not impede attorneys’ access to detained clients and that we receive accurate information regarding clients in custody.
- Work with other stakeholders to address the curfew on First Amendment activity along with the protest zone that had been put in place.
For the last two months, NLG Chicago has worked around the clock to provide legal support to the thousands of people who have come to the Broadview Detention Center to protest the Trump administration’s draconian attacks on immigrant communities. This has included sending Legal Observers to monitor the situation on the ground, dispatching volunteer attorneys to visit people in police custody, and working to coordinate representation for people who are now facing criminal charges. We will continue to keep the community updated on our efforts to protect the rights of everyone raising their voices against injustice at this pivotal moment.
Photo by: Sara-Ji, Love & Struggle Photos
