America’s urban battlegrounds are starting to resemble war zones. In Portland, Oregon, federal law enforcement has surged in to confront Antifa’s escalating siege of an ICE facility. What began as “protests” has spiraled into full-blown riots — mobs clashing not just with local police, but with federal agents brought in to restore order.
The chaos isn’t contained to the West Coast. On Saturday, Chicago — the so-called “sanctuary city” overseen by Mayor Brandon Johnson — erupted into violent confrontations. By Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security revealed just how dangerous things have become: two handguns seized from anti-ICE protesters, along with at least one improvised explosive device. The warning signs are unmistakable — this powder keg could explode at any moment.
Federal agents fired pepper balls and tear gas Friday in a tense standoff with anti-ICE protesters outside Chicago. The clash came just two days after a gunman opened fire at an ICE facility in Dallas, Texas, killing one detainee and wounding two others before taking his own life.
At least 50 protesters gathered Friday at an ICE processing center in Broadview, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. Two arrests were made, including one protester armed with a handgun. This isn’t the first time the facility has been targeted: violent clashes last week led to 16 arrests. According to DHS, rioters and local sanctuary officials “obstructed law enforcement, threw tear gas canisters, rocks, bottles, and fireworks, slashed tires, blocked building entrances, and trespassed on private property,” while also assaulting officers.
The seizure of an improvised explosive device marks a chilling new level of escalation. From DHS photos, the device resembles a taped-up sphere with a fuse — the sort of homemade gadget you might expect from a model rocket. Whether it’s metal or ceramic isn’t clear, but one fact stands out: this was never meant to be harmless. It appears designed to be hurled into chaos, potentially as a hand grenade-like weapon. Smoke, fire, or something worse — the presence of makeshift explosives signals a dangerous turning point. Armed agitators are no longer just protesting; they’re preparing for violence.
