A significant number of arrests was noted on Thursday night at suburbs of Chicagoas hundreds of protesters gathered out of installation of Immigration and Customs Service (Ice). This installation is at the center of mobilizations after the launch of federal business USA against irregular migrants last month.

Lately the tension in Chicago has increased as the government of President Donald Trump escalates the efforts expulsioneven arresting people without a criminal record. The ruler of Illinois, JB Prichker said the federal government had asked the Pentagon to send military forces to the state.

Outside the Brownbius detention center, the protesters initially gathered peacefully, singing Christian and Jewish hymns. The Gregory Bovino Governor, accompanied by armored vehicles and agents with gas masks, arrived at the spot.

The situation then escalated, with protesters pouring the police and clashes. Illinois state officers, some of whom were armed and equipped with night vision glasses, made many arrests. Among those arrested was an elderly woman who appeared to have respiratory problems during her arrest.

“It is outrageous. I am here to demonstrate silently and drive us off the road and pavement and use violence against us“, Said Kevin Ryan, a veteran mariner and a candidate with the Democrats for the Senate.

The State Police did not respond immediately to commentary requests.

Tensions and complaints of excessive violence

Residents of Chicago have repeatedly organized mobilizations against the presence of federal agents in the state, focusing on the Ice facilities in Brownvio, an area mainly inhabited by blacks and is about 15 kilometers from the city center. In at least four cases, protesters sitting on the ground to prevent the transportation of prisoners were removed by the use of violence, chemical and plastic balls by agents of the service.

Protesters denounce a similar approach to other major cities controlled by Democrats, such as New York, Los Angeles, Washington and Portland of Oregon.

Justice Minister Pam Bodi ordered ministry officials to “Defend the Ice facilities, especially in Portland and Chicago”.

Reactions of Local Bodies and Investigations

In Brownviou, Ice masked agents continue to use plastic balls and chemicals to dismantle the concentrated. The mayor of the area has expressed concern about the effects of tear gas on residents and has pointed out that the ICE fence, which was built without approval by local authorities, prevents access to emergency vehicles.

The local police station is conducting two criminal investigations into the actions of ICE executives, with a complaint about targeting a local television journalist.