UPDATE: Faith leaders are facing ongoing resistance at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Illinois, where they were denied entry to conduct a Mass for detainees. This urgent protest unfolded on November 1, 2025, with over 2,000 participants, highlighting escalating tensions around immigration policy and local activism.
During the morning, a group of spiritual leaders, including renowned activist Sister JoAnn Persch, attempted to enter the Broadview processing center to provide pastoral care and Communion to those detained. However, their request was denied by federal immigration agents after local Illinois State Police consulted with them. This marks the second failed attempt by the coalition, having previously sought access on October 11.
The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership organized the Mass, which began with solemn rituals but soon transformed into a vibrant protest featuring liturgical dancers and attendees dressed in Halloween costumes. The event was not only a spiritual gathering but also a platform to voice opposition to the federal immigration policies enacted under President Trump’s Operation Midway Blitz.
Rev. Juan Vargas, associate pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, expressed disappointment at the denied access, stating, “Unfortunately we were denied entrance. But we still had our moment of spiritual communion with everyone who’s been detained.” Despite the setback, approximately 800 attendees received the Eucharist during the Mass, emphasizing the community’s resilience and commitment to those in detention.
The protest escalated as the crowd shifted gears, with participants engaging in a “costume party” and a “Jericho walk,” a symbolic act meant to disrupt the facility’s operations. Protesters carried signs proclaiming “ICE out of Chicago,” demonstrating solidarity with those affected by immigration raids.
Police Response
Tensions rose when local law enforcement attempted to control the crowd. Reports indicate that police used pepper balls against protesters, resulting in multiple arrests. As the situation intensified, Cook County Sheriff’s Police confirmed that four individuals were arrested for disorderly conduct. Eyewitness accounts reported that officers aggressively enforced crowd control, pushing back demonstrators and using chemical agents.
As the protest continued, activists reiterated their commitment to disrupting ICE operations. “Every minute we can slow down the facility is a minute well spent protecting our neighbors,” said organizer Rachel Cohen. The demonstration culminated in confrontations with police, leading to a standoff that lasted for hours.
By 6 p.m., authorities issued a warning for protesters to disperse or face possible arrest, marking another chapter in the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights in the region. The coalition’s efforts to provide spiritual support at the facility remain thwarted, leaving many questioning the treatment of detainees and the transparency of their conditions.
As the situation develops, community leaders and activists are poised to continue their fight for access and humane treatment of those detained. The impact of these protests resonates beyond Broadview, as they highlight the urgent need for reform and compassion in immigration policies across the United States.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
