Chicago, IL — Immigrant rights groups gathered Thursday outside the Broadview Immigration Processing Center to demand the immediate release of Gladis Yolanda Chavez Pineda, a Chicago grandmother detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine immigration check-in.
Routine Visit Turns Into Detention
According to community organizers and attorneys representing Chavez Pineda, she was taken into custody on Wednesday during an appointment at Chicago’s Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office. Despite complying with all requirements and arriving with her legal team, ICE agents reportedly detained her after more than 90 minutes of waiting. Lawyers say they were instructed to leave the building once the arrest occurred.
Chavez Pineda had been under electronic monitoring and wore an ankle bracelet, suggesting she was not a flight risk. Advocates decried what they called “surprise detentions” — arrests made without prior warning during scheduled check-ins.
A Longtime Resident, Advocate, and Community Member
Supporters noted that Chavez Pineda has lived in the U.S. for a decade and has no criminal record. She works in the construction industry and has volunteered in several immigrant rights efforts across Chicago. Those close to her argue that her detention sends a “chilling message” to others in the immigrant community who are actively trying to comply with immigration processes.
“She’s done everything the right way,” said one advocate at the rally. “And this is how she’s treated — by being arrested without notice.”
ICE Remains Silent
As of Friday, ICE has not released a public statement regarding the reasons for her detention.
Organizers from groups such as the Organized Communities Against Deportations and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights say they are calling on elected officials to intervene. They also warned of the growing pattern of targeting individuals without warning — particularly those involved in immigrant advocacy.
A Community Mobilizes
Thursday’s protest drew community members, fellow activists, and elected leaders who demanded transparency and Chavez Pineda’s release. Many emphasized that her case illustrates broader concerns about immigration enforcement policies that disproportionately impact working families and long-time residents.
Chavez Pineda remains in ICE custody. Her legal team continues to push for her release while the community rallies behind her.
Have you or someone you know been impacted by surprise ICE detentions during routine check-ins? Share your experience in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and let your voice be heard.
