CHICAGO (AP) — Authorities arrested 21 protesters Friday outside a Chicago-area federal immigration facility that activists say functions as a de facto detention center and is plagued by inhumane conditions. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrests were made by midday as they worked on verifying identities and potential charges. Just moments before the clash, demonstrators were singing and chanting. Around 10 a.m., a large group, anticipating arrest, allegedly crossed the protest barrier to approach the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. Some protesters carried signs reading, “God’s Love Knows No Borders” and “God Demands Freedom.” The crowd numbered approximately 300 before it began to disperse, with police presence from Illinois State Police and Cook County sheriffs. The Broadview facility has been a site for frequent protests, particularly against a federal immigration crackdown known as “Operation Midway Blitz,” which has resulted in over 3,200 arrests in the Chicago metropolitan area since September. The aggressive tactics by Customs and Border Protection and ICE have faced numerous criticisms through legal challenges and street protests.