UPDATE: Faith leaders attempted to enter the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Illinois, but were denied access yet again. This incident unfolded on November 1, 2025, during a somber Mass marking All Saints Day, which drew over 2,000 attendees outside the facility.
The coalition, led by longtime activist Sister JoAnn Persch, requested entry to offer Communion to detainees. Authorities confirmed that their request was denied after a call to federal immigration agents. This marks the second failed attempt by the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership to provide pastoral care at the facility, which has been inaccessible for years.
“This is about human dignity,” said Rev. Juan Vargas, associate pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish. “We’re trying to follow all the procedures, but we’re left in the dark.”
During the Mass, which began at 10 a.m., an estimated 800 people received the Eucharist. The event featured liturgical dancers and blessings for those affected by federal immigration raids under President Trump’s Operation Midway Blitz.
As the Mass concluded, tensions escalated when a “costume party” protest began, with participants donning Halloween costumes and inflatable suits. Protesters carried signs demanding, “ICE out of Chicago,” while setting up ofrendas for Día de Los Muertos, honoring those who have suffered due to immigration policies.
The protests turned confrontational as local and state police, equipped with pepper balls, attempted to control the crowd. Reports indicate that at least four individuals were arrested for disorderly conduct. A significant moment occurred when police fired pepper balls at protesters, resulting in injuries, including a journalist from Block Club Chicago.
“We are not just expressing displeasure; we are interrupting operations at this facility,” organizer Rachel Cohen stated, emphasizing the urgency of their actions.
As the situation escalated, police warned attendees to disperse or face arrest. The standoff lasted over two hours, highlighting the ongoing struggle for human rights and the need for immediate action regarding immigrant detainees.
The coalition continues to seek clarity and access, raising questions about the treatment of those inside the facility. “What about the safety of the people who are there? They’re human as well,” Vargas questioned, underscoring the moral imperative for attention to conditions within the processing center.
With demonstrations intensifying, this story remains a critical one for the community and advocates alike. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
