The right to peacefully protest is a cornerstone of our democracy—and it’s under attack in Broadview, Illinois.

Mayor Katrina Thompson has issued an executive order that severely restricts where and when protests can take place outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility. Under these new rules, demonstrations are confined to designated “free speech zones” and only allowed between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.—effectively excluding working people and limiting public dissent during a moment when immigration policies are facing intense scrutiny.

Now, a federal lawsuit is challenging these restrictions as a clear violation of the First Amendment. The suit rightly argues that these rules give the mayor unchecked authority to impose or lift restrictions at will and fail to provide reasonable alternatives for peaceful assembly. It’s not just unfair—it’s unconstitutional.

It’s about protecting the rights of all Americans to speak out, protest government actions, and gather in public spaces without unnecessary interference. Peaceful protest—even early in the morning or outside arbitrary zones—is not a threat. It’s a right.

We call on Mayor Katrina Thompson and the Village of Broadview Board of Trustees to immediately repeal the protest restrictions near the ICE facility and commit to policies that uphold—not undermine—our constitutional rights.

Peaceful demonstrators should not be ticketed or detained simply for expressing their views. The people of Broadview—and all who care about civil liberties—deserve better.

Sign this petition to demand Mayor Thompson and Broadview officials respect the First Amendment and remove these unjust protest limitations.

Photo: Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times