Rep. Underwood Slams ‘Terrible’ Conditions at Broadview ICE Facility

UPDATE: Rep. Lauren Underwood has condemned the conditions at the Broadview ICE facility as “terrible” following her first congressional visit in years, which took place on October 23, 2023. This urgent tour comes months after Underwood’s requests to assess the facility amid ongoing concerns about the treatment of detainees.

During a significant 90-minute visit, Underwood noted the absence of detainees and staff due to an ongoing security system upgrade. “It looks terrible. It’s not a place where you want to spend time,” she stated, highlighting the poor conditions of holding cells, which included unsanitary toilets.

Underwood, who holds a senior position in funding for Homeland Security, criticized the Department of Homeland Security for preventing access to the facility until now. “They said ‘No,’ several times. And yet, they want more money,” she exclaimed. This visit is particularly timely, arriving just weeks after a federal judge mandated improvements at the facility.

The Midway Blitz operation has faced scrutiny for allegedly housing dozens of detainees under conditions some have described as inhumane. “I think the government has gotten itself into a jam by rounding up as many people as they have without having facilities to maintain them at,” said Nate Eimer, a plaintiff’s attorney involved in ongoing litigation against the facility.

Underwood’s visit has sparked renewed discussions about immigration enforcement in Chicago, as the facility plans to triple its staff and expand office space, signaling potential increases in enforcement actions. “It left me feeling like there’s a lot of work that needs to be done,” Underwood concluded, stressing that the treatment of immigrants and U.S. citizens at the facility is unacceptable.

This developing situation raises critical questions about the future of immigration policy and the conditions within detention facilities across the nation. As discussions continue, the public is urged to stay informed about the ongoing changes and their implications for detainees and the broader community.