A tense protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing center in suburban Chicago turned chaotic on Saturday as federal agents deployed tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

According to witnesses, protesters swarmed a fence surrounding the facility, chanting and pressing against barricades. In response, agents released clouds of tear gas, leaving many coughing, struggling to breathe, and retreating from the area. Several arrests were made as authorities worked to restore order.

The demonstration was organized by activists opposing ICE’s enforcement practices, particularly its handling of immigration detentions and deportations. Protesters argued that the agency’s actions violate human rights, while federal officials defended the use of force as necessary to maintain security around the facility.

The clash reflects growing tensions in cities across the United States, where immigration policy continues to fuel heated debate and frequent demonstrations.