Rep. Sheehan Condemns Violence at Broadview ICE Facility, Defends Federal Officers Amid Rising Threats

Homer Glen, IL…In response to escalating protests and violence outside the Broadview ICE detention facility, State Representative Patrick Sheehan (R-Homer Glen) is reaffirming his support for federal immigration officers and calling for renewed respect for law enforcement through House Resolution 428.

"Federal officers are being harassed, doxxed, and assaulted simply for doing their jobs," said Rep. Sheehan. "What we saw in Broadview, masked agents forced to fire pepper balls to protect themselves, protesters physically blocking vehicles, and officers targeted online, is a dangerous and frightening breakdown of public order."

The Broadview facility became a flashpoint this month as demonstrators clashed with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, leading to multiple arrests.

Rep. Sheehan's resolution, HR0428, highlights the critical role ICE plays in national security and immigration enforcement, and raises concerns about the Illinois TRUST Act, which restricts local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The resolution also addresses the alarming increase in assaults on ICE officers and the growing trend of doxxing, the malicious publication of personal information online.

Rep. Sheehan also criticized Governor JB Pritzker's recent comparison of ICE to the Gestapo, calling the remark "reckless and inflammatory."

"To equate federal law enforcement with Nazi secret police is not only historically ignorant, but it's a slap in the face to every officer who risks their life to uphold the law," Rep. Sheehan said. "Governor Pritzker's rhetoric fuels hostility and undermines public safety."

HR0428 calls on the Illinois General Assembly to stand with ICE officers and recognize their service in protecting communities across the state. Sheehan emphasized that support for law enforcement should transcend politics.

"Respecting the rule of law means respecting those who enforce it," he said. "We cannot allow intimidation and misinformation to erode the integrity of our institutions."

Rep. Sheehan proudly serves the people of the 37^th District.

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