BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — Dozens gathered outside the ICE facility in Broadview on Saturday, demanding answers one year after Operation Midway Blitz.

“We must hold the Department of Homeland Security, its leadership, the administration, and ICE to account,” demonstrator Robert Held said.

Last fall, immigration enforcement spiked under the operation. Authorities ramped up arrests, often clashing with protesters.

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The group held a candlelight vigil that they said was in honor of the lives affected by federal immigration enforcement.

“We don’t know how long this is going to go on, so it’s important that we make sure our families – that (their) needs are being met,” demonstrator Allison Galvan said.

The ABC7 I-Team reported the operation resulted in more than 3,600 arrests, including at least 162 children. More than half of the people detained were deported.

“We have neighbors that are living in fear every day of what might happen to them, and that can’t help but affect a community,” demonstrator Quincy Worthington said.

The White House has touted its strategy. And just this week, President Trump doubled down during a speech to global leaders.

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“There is no human right to illegal immigration, but there is a right to remain a sovereign nation, and we want to remain a sovereign nation, and so should you,” Trump said before the United Nations General Assembly.

One demonstrator responded to those remarks on Saturday.

“My response is my shirt. Right here. America is immigrants. Unless you’re a native American, you came here from somewhere else,” the woman said.

The demonstration came six days after protesters clashed with officers outside the facility. The Broadview facility became a flashpoint after claims last year of “inhumane conditions.”

Several demonstrators called for the facility to be shut down.

“We need to look at and overhaul our immigration policy to one that makes sense and is equitable and fair,” Worthington said.

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