Protesters try to block vehicles at key immigration building in suburban Chicago

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CHICAGO (AP) — Protesters tried to block vehicles Friday outside a federal immigration enforcement building in suburban Chicago, leading to a confrontation with authorities who used a chemical agent to disperse the crowd.

Dozens of people carrying American flags and signs with the words “Hands off Chicago” were at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Broadview, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of Chicago.

Some protesters were taken into custody as white clouds from the chemical agent broke up the group, allowing vehicles to arrive and depart, according to video posted online by local TV crews.

Andre Vasquez, a member of the Chicago City Council at the protest, described it as “tear gas, a little pepper spray, a little mix of both.”

ICE launched a new operation this month with a focus on traffic stops in largely immigrant and Latino neighborhoods and Chicago suburbs.

“They want us to be afraid,” Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, a Democrat, told reporters at the scene, referring to the Trump administration. “They want us to just kind of go into our little corners and not do anything. ... We’re not going to let that happen.”

Kat Abughazaleh, who is running for Congress, said she locked arms with others to try to block a van before federal authorities intervened.

"We have signs and chants and songs, and they’re treating us like it’s a war zone,” she said.

The Broadview site is a two-story building that has been used to temporarily hold immigrants before they’re detained or deported. The windows are covered with wood boards. Protesters have regularly gathered there, including Catholic nuns who pray during vigils.

Activists and local leaders lately have pledged to be defiant in response to the government crackdown as they try to deter agents, warn residents and keep attention on a man killed by an immigration officer last week.

Authorities said agents were pursuing a man with a history of reckless driving who had entered the country illegally. They said Silverio Villegas Gonzalez evaded arrest and dragged an officer with his vehicle. The government said the officer fired because he feared for his life.

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Associated Press reporter Ed White in Detroit contributed to this story.