A chilling account has emerged from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility outside Chicago, where protesters have been met with aggressive and violent tactics by federal officers. The situation escalated over the past few weeks, with agents using pepper balls, rubber bullets, and tear gas to disperse crowds.
At the center of this storm is Pastor Quincy Worthington, who has returned to Broadview every weekend since September, despite witnessing harrowing scenes unfold. His faith remains a steadfast companion in the face of terror, as he bears witness to ICE agents attacking peaceful protesters, including being shot in the head with a pepper ball.
Worthington shared his story with Noel King, host of Today Explained, and revealed that things began to escalate at the beginning of September, when protesters gathered in Daley Plaza to discuss Operation Midway Blitz. David Black, another pastor, told Worthington about the situation at Broadview, where ICE agents had been releasing chemical munitions on protesters.
The agent on the roof shot Black with a pepper ball, while Worthington was checking in with people at a supply table, just hours later. The attack left Worthington shaken, but he has continued to return to Broadview, fueled by his faith and determination to protect the humanity of everyone involved.
Since October, there has been a temporary restraining order preventing ICE from using chemical munitions, although Illinois State Police have threatened to use batons and physical force instead. The protesters' actions are described as peaceful, with no evidence of violent rioting, according to Worthington.
The account raises serious questions about law enforcement tactics and the human rights of protesters. Worthington's faith has been shaken, but he remains committed to standing up for those in need, following the teachings of Jesus who stood up against unfair oppression.
The situation at Broadview serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting basic human rights and upholding justice. The protests outside ICE facilities are not acts of violence, but rather a call to action, demanding an end to policies that target marginalized communities.
As Pastor Worthington so eloquently puts it, "If I'm gonna stay in a pulpit on Sunday with any integrity and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, that I need to stand with Jesus at Broadview, to protect the humanity of everyone involved."
At the center of this storm is Pastor Quincy Worthington, who has returned to Broadview every weekend since September, despite witnessing harrowing scenes unfold. His faith remains a steadfast companion in the face of terror, as he bears witness to ICE agents attacking peaceful protesters, including being shot in the head with a pepper ball.
Worthington shared his story with Noel King, host of Today Explained, and revealed that things began to escalate at the beginning of September, when protesters gathered in Daley Plaza to discuss Operation Midway Blitz. David Black, another pastor, told Worthington about the situation at Broadview, where ICE agents had been releasing chemical munitions on protesters.
The agent on the roof shot Black with a pepper ball, while Worthington was checking in with people at a supply table, just hours later. The attack left Worthington shaken, but he has continued to return to Broadview, fueled by his faith and determination to protect the humanity of everyone involved.
Since October, there has been a temporary restraining order preventing ICE from using chemical munitions, although Illinois State Police have threatened to use batons and physical force instead. The protesters' actions are described as peaceful, with no evidence of violent rioting, according to Worthington.
The account raises serious questions about law enforcement tactics and the human rights of protesters. Worthington's faith has been shaken, but he remains committed to standing up for those in need, following the teachings of Jesus who stood up against unfair oppression.
The situation at Broadview serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting basic human rights and upholding justice. The protests outside ICE facilities are not acts of violence, but rather a call to action, demanding an end to policies that target marginalized communities.
As Pastor Worthington so eloquently puts it, "If I'm gonna stay in a pulpit on Sunday with any integrity and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, that I need to stand with Jesus at Broadview, to protect the humanity of everyone involved."
. It's like they're more concerned with enforcing their rules than with protecting human life. I mean, Pastor Worthington was literally shot in the head with a pepper ball and he still shows up every weekend to advocate for these people. That takes courage and heart 
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. We can't just sit back and watch as people are treated like animals. We need to demand better from our leaders and from ourselves. The situation at Broadview is a wake-up call for all of us to take action and make some noise 
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This is getting out of hand! ICE agents using pepper balls and rubber bullets on peaceful protesters is completely unacceptable. I mean, what's next? Tear gas in hospitals? It's not about being a pastor or a activist, it's about basic human rights 
. The fact that Pastor Worthington was shot with a pepper ball and still keeps going back to Broadview just shows how brave he is, but also how broken our system is 
. We need real change, not just temporary restraining orders. It's time for us to stand up for those in need and demand justice 
man I don't get why they gotta be so violent like that its not like people are tryna cause no trouble protesters are just speakin out against injustice and now ICE is treatin them like animals pepper balls and tear gas? thats some crazy stuff 
. its all about standin up for whats right, you feel me? even if its scary Worthington's still goin back to that place cos hes got a heart of gold 
. pastor quincy worthington's story broke my heart tho 
he's literally standing up for ppl who r being brutalized by the system and hes still going back to this toxic situation every weekend 
. It's time for law enforcement to reevaluate their tactics and prioritize de-escalation over aggression 
.