Broadview Zoning Board Rejects ICE Expansion Proposal Amid Outcry

UPDATE: The Broadview Zoning Board of Appeals has just rejected a controversial proposal aimed at restricting the expansion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) properties in the village. The decision, made during a heated meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023, comes amid rising concerns from residents about the implications of ICE’s growing presence in their community.

Members of the public voiced their confusion and skepticism regarding the proposal, which some believed lacked clarity on whether it would truly limit ICE’s operations in Broadview. The agency currently operates a detention center in the village, which has been at the center of intense protests as immigration enforcement escalates across the country.

The proposal, advocated by Broadview Building Commissioner David Upshaw, sought to implement strict conditions for any new prisons or detention centers. It would require these facilities to obtain a special use permit and prohibit them from being located within 1,000 feet of residential areas, schools, daycare centers, cemeteries, parks, senior living facilities, and public housing. Additionally, the measure would restrict new facilities from being within 1,000 feet of existing detention centers.

However, the Zoning Board voted unanimously against the proposal, highlighting a significant divide between local government intentions and community sentiments. Residents packed the village hall, sharing a mix of skepticism and outright opposition to any measures that could facilitate ICE’s expansion.

“Allisan Galvan,” a resident from nearby Addison, expressed frustration during the public comment period. “Yes, the ordinance places restrictions. But nowhere in this document does it say [to] do the one thing that would truly protect Broadview: It does not prohibit private prisons or detention centers outright.” Galvan emphasized that the proposal seemed to grant “permission with conditions” for ICE to continue its operations.

Local resident Janelle Miller also criticized the lack of transparency from the village government regarding the proposal. “I believe this is something that shouldn’t be voted on until we know what this is actually about,” she stated. “The language isn’t clear… We have to be part of the process, and at this point, I do not feel part of the process.”

Despite the Zoning Board’s rejection, officials noted that the proposal could still advance if the Village Board opts to overrule the recommendation with a supermajority vote. This possibility has left many residents on edge, as they worry about the future of immigration enforcement in their community.

The meeting highlighted a growing trend in which local governments grapple with the implications of federal immigration policies and the presence of ICE. With community responses escalating and the potential for further developments, Broadview remains a focal point in the national conversation surrounding immigration and detention practices.

As tensions rise and the community demands clarity and transparency, all eyes will be on the Village Board to see how they respond to the Zoning Board’s recommendation. Residents are urged to stay engaged, as this issue is far from resolved and could have lasting impacts on Broadview’s future.

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.