It is always pertinent to remember peaceful protesting is a right that’s protected by our First Amendment. For months, people across America have been gathering to protest against ICE and the Nazi-level tactics they’ve used against regular people. Though the government is not typically allowed to prohibit peaceful protests, officials have been impediments. For example, when peaceful protesters were outside an ICE detention center, several Illinois police officers decided to show their true color.
Independent media BG on the Scene captured the scuffles between protesters and police in Chicago. It showed the peaceful protest running along smoothly in front of the Broadview ICE Detention Center. There’s some shouting and plenty of people holding relevant signs. But then, terror and turmoil break out. Suddenly, police officers from Broadview PD and Cook County Sheriff’s Office start throwing their weight around. A bunch of police officers throw a peaceful protester onto the ground, only to then be dragged by their coat. While protestors are screaming and asking, “What is wrong with you?” they’re met by silence.
Chaos continues to break out everywhere around the facility. You can see officers holding back large groups of protestors as they continue to chant. According to an article posted by Chicago Sun Times, a total of 21 demonstrators, including those involved in church organizations, were arrested. They also reported that four police officers were injured.
I’d wager it’s from bombarding a single female victim, which was also captured on camera. So, peacefully protesting for immigrants getting abducted by ICE is now a threat to Illinois police? To make matters even worse, the aggression started when demonstrators were peacefully chanting and Broadview Police decided to pull out tasers. They shot them off as a “warning.”
The protestors reacted to this incitement of violence. Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said in an official statement, “I have repeatedly pleaded to protestors to raise their voices, not their fists. They have chosen their fists,” but to my ears that sounds like justification for police brutality. The violence you see is only coming from the police.
“Just following orders is not a defense,” one commenter argued.
“Your local Officer Friendly will smash your teeth into the pavement if you dare defy the fascist regime. It’s a big club and you ain’t in it,” stated another, while simultaneously quoting George Carlin. If not even peaceful protests are allowed, then what is?
