Overview
- U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman opened a full‑day hearing Tuesday and required the lead plaintiffs to be present as he reviews requests for immediate relief.
- Plaintiffs described overcrowded, unsanitary cells, scant food and water, broken showers, and restricted private attorney access, with testimony alleging coercion to sign English‑only documents.
- The government disputed the claims, saying Broadview is a short‑term processing center that provides three daily meals, bottled water, foil blankets, phone access, cleaning by staff, and medical care on request.
- Justice Department attorney Jana Brady said the building lacks beds because it is not for long‑term detention, noted recent operational improvements, and argued a shutdown would hinder immigration enforcement in Illinois.
- Advocates seek a temporary restraining order setting minimum space, sanitation, bedding, hygiene, and legal‑access standards, as protests and a separate First Amendment lawsuit over crowd control tactics continue outside the facility.