Overview

The Broadview ICE facility in Cook County was designed as a service processing center for 236 adults with a 12-hour maximum hold time. During Operation Midway Blitz, ICE converted it into de facto long-term detention, holding people for up to three weeks in a facility lacking basic detention infrastructure.

Conversion Timeline

• Pre-2025: Processing center, 12-hour max hold
• June 2025: ICE quietly expanded max hold to 72 hours
• Sep 2025: Operation Midway Blitz launches; facility becomes primary intake point
• Fall 2025: Detainees held for up to 3 weeks; no proper bedding, food, water, showers
• Nov 2025: Federal Judge Gettleman calls it “really a prison,” issues 15-point TRO

Conditions (Pre-TRO)

• No proper bedding
• Inadequate food and water
• No showers or hygiene supplies
• No attorney access
• People sleeping on floors
• 600 feet from residential homes

The TRO (November 2025)

Judge Robert Gettleman issued a 15-point temporary restraining order requiring ICE to provide:

1. Bedding
2. Regular meals
3. Clean water
4. Showers and hygiene supplies
5. Attorney access
6. Basic conditions of confinement

Broadview 6 Prosecutions

Six activists (Democratic officeholders/candidates) indicted on federal felony conspiracy for Sept 26, 2025 protest at facility. Selective prosecution alleged — 6 of 50-100 protesters charged. Two charges dismissed March 2026.

Sources

• WBEZ: Broadview as de facto detention (Oct 2025)
• WTTW: Judge orders improvements (Nov 2025)
• WBEZ: TRO issued (Nov 2025)
• ACLU of Illinois