News Coverage: Judge orders ICE to admit Chicago clergy to immigrant detention center for Holy Week
In a preliminary injunction issued March 31, U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman found that the government's denial of access to the facility just outside Chicago likely violated federal religious freedom law and the First Amendment. The ruling grants, in part, a request from the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership and several clergy members who sought to minister to detainees in the days leading up to Easter.
On Holy Thursday afternoon, Father Juan Vargas knelt on the floor of the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility west of Chicago and washed the feet of a man in shackles. Sister Alicia Gutierrez, SH, distributed Communion. Father David Inczauskis, SJ, and Father Paul Joseph Keller, CMF, offered pastoral care to thirteen other detained migrants wearing handcuffs and ankle chains. Outside, fifty Catholic faithful stood in rain and heavy wind, praying the Rosary and singing, waiting for the pastoral delegation to emerge.
Media Coverage:
Chicago Tribune: Photos: Clergy visits Broadview ICE facility
Chicago Tribune: Faith leaders wash the feet of 14 detainees inside Broadview ICE facility for Holy Thursday
National Today (Chicago Today): Faith Leaders Wash Feet of Detainees at Broadview ICE Facility
National Catholic Reporter: Judge orders ICE to admit Chicago clergy to immigrant detention center for Holy Week
Letters from Leo: Trump-Vance White House Escalates Holy Week Assault Against Catholic Church
