Illinois GOP Lawmakers Blame Pritzker for Violence at Broadview ICE Protest, Urge More Police Support (Springfield, IL) – Three Republican state lawmakers who also serve as law enforcement officers criticized Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday, calling on him to deploy additional police resources after a protest at the Broadview ICE facility turned violent earlier in the day.
State Reps. John Cabello of Machesney Park, Patrick Sheehan of Lockport, and Dennis Tipsword of Metamora said several officers were injured while responding to unrest outside the suburban immigration detention site. The lawmakers issued a joint statement expressing support for the injured officers and condemning what they described as escalating aggression from demonstrators.
“We are praying for the law enforcement officers who were injured during the chaos unfolding in Broadview today,” they said. “These officers showed up to keep everyone safe but instead found themselves under attack.”
The trio also faulted Pritzker for what they characterized as rhetoric that encourages confrontation, pointing to remarks in which the governor urged supporters to be “street fighters” for Democratic causes — a line Republicans have repeatedly criticized. They said the governor’s silence following Thursday’s clashes was unacceptable.
“Governor Pritzker must immediately deploy additional law enforcement resources to Broadview to restore order, protect officers on the ground, and prevent further injuries,” the lawmakers said. “Illinois’ law enforcement community deserves leadership that stands with them, not political posturing.”
They added that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, “they do not have the right to assault law enforcement officers.”
Pritzker’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Illinois GOP Lawmakers Blame Pritzker for Violence at Broadview ICE Protest, Urge More Police Support
