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Dozens gathered outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview on Saturday, demanding answers a year after Operation Midway Blitz.
They also set up symbolic tombstones bearing the names, ages, countries of origin, and dates of death of immigrants who died in U.S. immigration custody.
The operation led to more than 3,600 arrests, including at least 162 children, with more than half of those detained deported, the ABC7 I-Team reported.
"We must hold the Department of Homeland Security, its leadership, the administration, and ICE to account," demonstrator Robert Held said.
Immigration enforcement surged last fall under the operation, as authorities ramped up arrests, often clashing with protesters.
The group held a candlelight vigil they said honored 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.
"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 defended its strategy, and just this week, President Trump doubled down during a speech to global leaders.
"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 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 rally came six days after protesters clashed with officers outside the facility.
Broadview became a flashpoint following claims last year of "inhumane conditions," and several demonstrators called for the facility to be shut down entirely.
"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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