Death, Bomb Threats Prompt Civil Emergency Order In Broadview: Mayor

BROADVIEW, IL — Mayor Katrina Thompson announced a declaration of emergency in the village Monday in response to a series of threats against her and Village Hall in the wake of immigration enforcement in the suburb. The move is effective immediately.

Thompson's office said a specific death threat was made against the mayor on Oct. 13 (FBI was notified), alongside a telephone bomb threat targeting Village Hall on Sept. 4. In addition, "out-of-town" protesters and non-Broadview residents attempted to "storm" Village Hall on Saturday. The Broadview Police Department said the group "explicitly" threatened to shut down a board of trustees meeting, scheduled for Monday.

Thompson said the threats have left her "no alternative" but to make the declaration.

At least 21 arrests were made Friday morning during protests around the facility being used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Broadview. In addition, two Village of Broadview police officers, one Illinois State Police officer and a Cook County Sheriff's deputy were injured by "out-of-town" protesters, according to Thompson.

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"I have repeatedly pleaded to protesters to raise their voices, not their fists. They have chosen their fists," Thompson said. "These out-of-towners have chosen to brutalize police officers who have been protecting their free speech and protecting them against assaults by ICE agents. We will see them in court."

Thompson, who called the violence "unacceptable and outrageous," said three of the officers were taken to Loyola hospital to treat their injuries.

The civil emergency order will allow for the flexibility necessary for conducting essential in-person meetings of the Village Board, starting Monday night.

"I will not allow threats of violence or intimidation to disrupt the essential functions of our government, and I will not allow other elected officials, Village Hall staff or residents to be placed in harm's way, which is why I signed a Civil Emergency Executive Order to ensure we can conduct the public’s business securely and without fear of violence," Thompson said.

Officials said the civil emergency will remain in place until the mayor determines that the immediate and imminent threat to Village officials and property is no longer present.

Written public comments for the Nov. 17 board meeting can be submitted to Village Clerk Kevin McGrier @kmcgrier@broadview-il.gov by 5:30 p.m. and he will read them into the record.

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