Pastor's Harrowing Account of ICE Agents' Brutal Treatment of Protesters
At the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, outside Chicago, a series of brutal clashes between law enforcement and protesters has left many shaken. Among those who have witnessed these events firsthand is Rev. Quincy Worthington, a pastor who has returned to Broadview every weekend since his friend Rev. David Black was shot in the head with a pepper bullet and pepper-sprayed in the face.
Worthington recounts his own harrowing experience when he was present at Broadview during a rally in September. He had joined his friend David, who spoke about Operation Midway Blitz ramping up, and described the facility as a focal point for protesters resisting ICE's aggressive tactics. Worthington saw an escalation of violence by law enforcement, including agents using batons, pepper balls, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
"It wasn't entirely surprising that they responded this way," Worthington said, reflecting on his experience. "ICE has been escalating their response to protesters every time we've gone." Despite the fear and danger, Worthington feels compelled to continue attending these events due to his faith, which he believes provides a sense of calm and helps de-escalate tense situations.
The violence at Broadview is not an isolated incident. Protests have become increasingly intense, with protesters facing tear gas, pepper balls, and physical force from law enforcement. Illinois State Police has recently been deployed to the scene, but some concerns remain about their tactics.
Worthington challenges the narrative that protesters are "violent rioters" who pose a threat to public safety. He argues that he has not seen any violent behavior among protesters and instead witnesses peaceful demonstrations. However, after witnessing the brutal treatment of protesters by federal agents, Worthington's views on law enforcement have been shaken.
As a minister and theologian, Worthington is forced to confront the reality of putting his faith into action in a world that can be hostile and unforgiving. He believes that Jesus stood up against unfair oppression and gave voice to those who felt voiceless. For him, this means standing with protesters at Broadview and advocating for human rights and dignity.
"I feel like 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," Worthington said, underscoring his commitment to following Christ in the face of adversity.
At the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, outside Chicago, a series of brutal clashes between law enforcement and protesters has left many shaken. Among those who have witnessed these events firsthand is Rev. Quincy Worthington, a pastor who has returned to Broadview every weekend since his friend Rev. David Black was shot in the head with a pepper bullet and pepper-sprayed in the face.
Worthington recounts his own harrowing experience when he was present at Broadview during a rally in September. He had joined his friend David, who spoke about Operation Midway Blitz ramping up, and described the facility as a focal point for protesters resisting ICE's aggressive tactics. Worthington saw an escalation of violence by law enforcement, including agents using batons, pepper balls, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
"It wasn't entirely surprising that they responded this way," Worthington said, reflecting on his experience. "ICE has been escalating their response to protesters every time we've gone." Despite the fear and danger, Worthington feels compelled to continue attending these events due to his faith, which he believes provides a sense of calm and helps de-escalate tense situations.
The violence at Broadview is not an isolated incident. Protests have become increasingly intense, with protesters facing tear gas, pepper balls, and physical force from law enforcement. Illinois State Police has recently been deployed to the scene, but some concerns remain about their tactics.
Worthington challenges the narrative that protesters are "violent rioters" who pose a threat to public safety. He argues that he has not seen any violent behavior among protesters and instead witnesses peaceful demonstrations. However, after witnessing the brutal treatment of protesters by federal agents, Worthington's views on law enforcement have been shaken.
As a minister and theologian, Worthington is forced to confront the reality of putting his faith into action in a world that can be hostile and unforgiving. He believes that Jesus stood up against unfair oppression and gave voice to those who felt voiceless. For him, this means standing with protesters at Broadview and advocating for human rights and dignity.
"I feel like 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," Worthington said, underscoring his commitment to following Christ in the face of adversity.
They're trying to silence Rev. Worthington's voice, but his faith is louder 
. Protesters are just trying to speak out against these super aggressive ICE agents and they're met with batons, pepper balls, and rubber bullets... like, what's next? Tear gas in a church pew? 
I mean, Worthington says he's seen peaceful demos, but from the reports, it sounds like law enforcement is just trying to crack down on anyone who dares to speak out. And now the state police are showing up too? This whole thing feels super chaotic and controlled... 
Can't we just have a calm discussion about immigration reform without getting physically violent?
. It's crazy! There's these pastors who are tryin' to bring some peace and calm to these protests, but law enforcement is just gettin' more and more aggressive with pepper balls, batons... it's like they're not even human anymore 
. And honestly, I think it's kinda cool that Rev Worthington is still goin' to Broadview every weekend, even after seein' all this stuff. He's like, "Hey, I'm gonna stand with my people, even if they're bein' brutalized by the authorities." That takes some serious courage and conviction 
. We should all take a page outta his book and just try to do what's right, even when it's hard 
... i mean we see these protests going on and you think they're all love and peace but then there's stories like Rev Quincy's that make you realize the other side of it too... law enforcement is trying to protect people, no doubt about it, but at what cost? i feel like the gov't should be doing more to ensure public safety while also respecting protesters' rights... meanwhile rev quincy's faith is keeping him going and that's inspiring 
The fact that protests have become increasingly intense, with protesters facing tear gas, pepper balls, and physical force from law enforcement, suggests a concerning escalation of tensions between protesters and authorities. As Rev. Worthington's experience highlights, the presence of law enforcement can often amplify the situation, leading to a cycle of violence and retaliation.
The idea that faith provides a sense of calm and helps de-escalate tense situations is intriguing, but it raises questions about the role of power dynamics and structural inequalities in shaping our perceptions of right and wrong.