Broadview zoning board rejects proposal tied to potential ICE property expansion

A Village of Broadview committee shot down an attempt to advance an ordinance that would restrict U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from expanding their property under certain criteria.

Members of the public expressed concerns and confusion over the proposal's apparent lack of clarity during Thursday's Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.

Some people said they were uncertain whether it would prevent or help ICE expand in Broadview, where the agency owns a detention center that has been the center of heated protests amid stepped up immigration enforcement.

The proposal, recommended Thursday by Broadview Building Commissioner and Economic Director David Upshaw, came amid reports that the Trump administration is scouting for Chicago property to support its ICE operations.

The proposal would require prisons and detention centers to have a special uses permit and prohibit them from being located within 1,000 feet away from any residential zoning districts, school districts, daycares, cemeteries, park districts, forest preserves, senior living facilities and public housing.

Additionally, prisons and detention centers would be prohibited from being within 1,000 feet of any other prisons or detention centers. They’d also be required to have secure fencing and secure gates that don’t encroach on public property, Upshaw said. The proposal also sets parking requirements for such facilities.

The village’s Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously against recommending the proposal. The proposal could still pass if the Village Board overrules the recommendation with a supermajority, officials said.

Residents of Broadview and neighboring cities packed the village hall to share a mix of skepticism and opposition to anything that would formalize a process for ICE to expand within the town.

"Yes, the ordinance places restrictions," said Allison Galvan, an Addison resident who was one of about 20 people who spoke during public comment. "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 said the proposal grants "permission with conditions" for ICE to continue detaining people in Broadview.

Broadview resident Janelle Miller criticized the village government for a lack of transparency around the proposal. She said more community input should be sought before a vote.

"I believe this is something that shouldn't be voted on until we know what this is actually about," Miller said. “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."

Mike Waters, of Broadview, said he hopes the proposal intends to block ICE from expanding.

"If that's the case, I applaud you. If it's not the case, then I hope you'll reconsider," he said.