Urgent Lawsuit Alleges Inhumane Conditions at Chicago ICE Facility
UPDATE: A shocking class-action lawsuit filed on October 13, 2025, reveals severe allegations of inhumane conditions and medical neglect at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Broadview, Illinois. The suit claims detainees are subjected to overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and denial of legal counsel, raising urgent concerns for human rights advocates and the families involved.
The lawsuit centers around the plight of Pablo Moreno Gonzalez, a 56-year-old widower and father of four U.S. citizen children, who was allegedly coerced into signing a voluntary departure waiver while housed in deteriorating conditions. According to his attorney, despite his legal entry and valid work permit, Gonzalez was swiftly deported, leaving his children to cope with the loss of both parents in a short span of time.
Filed in federal court in Chicago, this lawsuit represents the first significant effort to hold ICE accountable amidst growing scrutiny over its practices. The suit was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois, the MacArthur Justice Center, and other legal advocates on behalf of Gonzalez and Felipe Agustin Zamacona, another detainee currently at the facility.
The facility has been described as a “black box,” where detainees reportedly experience a lack of legal access and are often held in rooms designed for short-term stays, yet they are confined for days. The complaint further alleges that detainees are crammed into overcrowded cells, deprived of basic necessities like food, water, and sanitary products.
“Everyone, no matter their legal status, has the right to access counsel and to not be subject to horrific and inhumane conditions,” said Alexa Van Brunt, lead counsel on the suit. The lawsuit paints a grim picture of the facility, where detainees have reported sleeping on concrete floors and being denied medical attention for serious health issues.
Eyewitness accounts reveal disturbing conditions, with detainees forced to share small holding rooms with dozens of others, leading to filth and unsanitary conditions. One detainee described the atmosphere as akin to being “like a pile of fish,” highlighting the desperation and hopelessness experienced by those held there.
Moreover, the lawsuit alleges significant neglect in medical care, with reports of untreated illnesses and lack of necessary medications. Detainees have been coerced into signing documents relinquishing their rights, often without understanding the implications. “Officers have told detainees that they are required to sign forms and that there is no need or right to speak with a lawyer,” the complaint states.
The facility came under scrutiny amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement measures, particularly during “Operation Midway Blitz.” Investigations have shown that detainees are now held for **two to three days**, far longer than the **five hours** typical in previous years.
Conditions have reportedly worsened since the operation began in September, leading to increased reports of malnutrition, overcrowding, and medical neglect. Many detainees are now receiving cold sandwiches for every meal, with no regard for dietary restrictions or medical needs.
The lawsuit seeks to bring justice and relief to those detained at Broadview, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in how ICE operates and manages detention facilities. Advocates argue that the treatment of these individuals not only violates their rights but also reflects a broader systemic issue within immigration enforcement.
As this situation develops, the implications for detainees and their families are dire. With officials failing to provide adequate oversight or response, many families are left in the dark, anxious for news about their loved ones.
The community response to these allegations has been significant, with protests occurring regularly outside the detention center, drawing attention to the plight of immigrants and the urgent need for change.
As the lawsuit unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on ICE and its practices, with advocates and lawmakers calling for immediate accountability and reform. The human cost of these policies continues to rise, and the urgency for action has never been greater.
