Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest - Deportations are hitting record levels

“When we began the Migrant Ministry in the fall of 2022, the atmosphere was positive and life-giving as we welcomed the migrants,” write Celine Woznica and Margie Rudnik, who are part of the interfaith Migrant Ministry sponsored by the Catholic Communities of Oak Park. "Now we are accompanying migrants as they prepare to shut down those dreams in case they are deported to the countries they were forced to flee."

According to the Deportation Data Project, ICE deportations averaged about 1,200 per day in August, and more than 70% of those arrested have no criminal record. Celine and Margie share how families are now arranging temporary custody for their children in case they’re detained.

The Catholic Communities of Oak Park, CSPL's most recent institutional member, include Saint Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy and Saint Giles Parish and Ascension - St Edmund Parish. We look forward to deepening the mutual support of our organizations as we work to defend and accompany the immigrant families in our community.