Congressional candidates, protesters sprayed with chemicals during clash at Broadview ICE facility

Agents for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement clashed with congressional candidates and other protesters Friday morning during a demonstration outside of the Broadview processing center.

During the protest, Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old progressive running for the 9th Congressional District seat, was pushed to the ground by an ICE agent in fully camouflaged uniform, according to video from the protest posted on her social media.

In a phone interview, Abughazaleh told the Sun-Times she was thrown to the ground twice by ICE agents and was helping another protester when an agent lifted her by her chest, carried her, and threw her onto the asphalt.

“I wasn’t surprised, and that’s part of why we’re here,” Abughazaleh said. “Everyone here is at least a little bit scared, but mostly I’m angry and we need to get the facility shut down.”

ICE agents used tear gas and shot pepper balls, she said — some of which hit her legs — around 6 a.m., while shouting “your first amendment rights are on the sidewalk.”

She anticipates a “nasty” bruise on her right side.

“It’s more important than ever to stand with our neighbors, if not just for their basic human dignity,” Abughazaleh said. “I’m not here as a candidate, I’m here as an individual.”

An automated message played periodically warning protesters they could be subjected to arrest or the use of chemical ammunition if they don’t disperse.

“It is hereby declared that you are obstructing and impeding federal law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties in violation of federal law,” a woman’s voice said during the message. “You are commanded to immediately disperse. If you do not do so, you may be arrested or subject to other police action,” the message said.

Evanston Mayor and fellow 9th Congressional District candidate Daniel Biss was at the protest and described ICE’s response as “a deliberate show of force and domination.”

“They were trying to intimidate and dominate,” Biss said in a phone interview with the Sun-Times Friday morning.

Biss recounted the scene “becoming chaotic quick” as he struggled for air after agents fired a chemical agent toward him and other protesters.

“At first I was just feeling determined and grateful because there were so many people standing in solidarity, and at some point it got very scary,” Biss told the Sun-Times. “When you can’t breathe, fear takes over.”

When it comes to protesting, Biss stressed the importance of participants “assessing the risk and making the right choice for them and their family.”

“I don’t want anyone to make a decision that they don’t feel is right for them, but I think we all need to figure out what we can do to register our projection of these cruel and barbaric attacks on our neighborhoods as vocally and visibly as possible, and hopefully do it in a way that inspires others to join us so we can grow the movement,” Biss said.

At the scene Friday about 9 a.m., despite chemical agents, protesters remained firm against the recent immigration actions across the Chicago area outside the ICE facility. By 9:30 a.m., about 30 protesters were still at the facility.

“Whatever we deal with out here is absolutely nothing compared to what the people that are inside of that building and the people that have been forcibly removed from this country are dealing with,” said Lane Faltin, 22. “It’s a disgusting abuse of power.”

At least two people were arrested after clashing with ICE officers. Protesters said they haven’t seen them since they were taken inside the facility.

ICE did not respond immediately to specific questions about Abughazaleh, the use of nonlethal chemical agents and the status of the protesters allegedly arrested during the clash.

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) joined protesters outside of the facility and said he was hit with chemicals after ICE officers shot projectiles at the crowd.

Armed ICE officers in military fatigues have stepped out of the facility in a show of force against protesters at least four times since 5 a.m., according to Vasquez.

“If this is how the federal government is treating people exercising their freedom of speech, the treatment of the people inside has got to be far worse,” said Vasquez.

“We’ve got a federal government actively attacking and dehumanizing its own people and our neighbors. I think folks are going to stay here. The number is going to continue to grow, because we’re on the right side of history.”

Among the protesters were two Elgin sisters who have shown up at the facility every day this week in hopes of seeing their father, who is being held inside.

Milagros Pelayo, 22, and Yessenia Garcia, 16, said seeing others protesting against the treatment of immigrants made them feel seen.

Her father, Rosalio Pelayo Salgago, was detained at his home Sept. 10 and has remained held at the Broadview facility since.

“We’re a little overwhelmed, a little scared, but we’re still here,” said Pelayo. “We’re still fighting, and the fight is not only now for us, but for other people like us and other people who have immigrant parents.”

Another protest demonstrating against ICE arrests is planned for 7 p.m. at the facility.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.