Dozens of Protesters March, Clash with Police Outside ICE Facility in Chicago Suburb
A group of hundreds gathered outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in a Chicago suburb on Saturday to hold a Mass and offer communion to detainees, but their request was once again denied by authorities.
The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership organized the event, which took place on All Saints Day, a Christian holiday that falls on November 1st. The group had planned to enter the facility with Holy Communion, but were turned away twice this month and last week.
According to the group's executive director, Michael Okiลczyc-Cruz, they have made several attempts to contact DHS and ICE officials but were denied access. "We have tried to follow every channel possible that DHS and ICE publicly shares, but we've been denied time and time again," he said.
The event was attended by over 1,000 people, including dozens of protesters who marched towards the facility with signs reading "Free our neighbors" and "State police out of Broadview". However, their attempts to enter the facility were met with resistance from state troopers and federal agents, who used pepper balls and batons to disperse the crowd.
The situation escalated into a standoff between the protesters and law enforcement, which lasted until the protest curfew issued by the Village of Broadview went into effect. The majority of the crowd then dispersed, but not before several people were arrested for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
This latest attempt to provide communion to detainees at the facility comes as tensions between immigration authorities and advocates for immigrant rights continue to simmer. In a statement to the Sun-Times, DHS spokesperson said that any request to tour facilities must be approved by Secretary Kristi Noem and that requests "should be made with sufficient time to prevent interference" with the president's authority.
The detention center in question has faced criticism from human rights groups over its dire conditions, including overcrowding, poor food, and lack of access to medical care. The situation was highlighted in a recent lawsuit filed by immigrant rights lawyers on behalf of two men who were detained at the facility.
A group of hundreds gathered outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in a Chicago suburb on Saturday to hold a Mass and offer communion to detainees, but their request was once again denied by authorities.
The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership organized the event, which took place on All Saints Day, a Christian holiday that falls on November 1st. The group had planned to enter the facility with Holy Communion, but were turned away twice this month and last week.
According to the group's executive director, Michael Okiลczyc-Cruz, they have made several attempts to contact DHS and ICE officials but were denied access. "We have tried to follow every channel possible that DHS and ICE publicly shares, but we've been denied time and time again," he said.
The event was attended by over 1,000 people, including dozens of protesters who marched towards the facility with signs reading "Free our neighbors" and "State police out of Broadview". However, their attempts to enter the facility were met with resistance from state troopers and federal agents, who used pepper balls and batons to disperse the crowd.
The situation escalated into a standoff between the protesters and law enforcement, which lasted until the protest curfew issued by the Village of Broadview went into effect. The majority of the crowd then dispersed, but not before several people were arrested for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
This latest attempt to provide communion to detainees at the facility comes as tensions between immigration authorities and advocates for immigrant rights continue to simmer. In a statement to the Sun-Times, DHS spokesperson said that any request to tour facilities must be approved by Secretary Kristi Noem and that requests "should be made with sufficient time to prevent interference" with the president's authority.
The detention center in question has faced criticism from human rights groups over its dire conditions, including overcrowding, poor food, and lack of access to medical care. The situation was highlighted in a recent lawsuit filed by immigrant rights lawyers on behalf of two men who were detained at the facility.
! I mean, can't they just let people have some peace and love? A group of protesters showing up with signs that say "Free our neighbors" and a bunch of other kind messages... you'd think that would be enough to get some understanding from the authorities. But nope, instead of being met with open arms, they're met with pepper balls and batons 
. It's like, what even is the point of having a peaceful protest if you're just gonna get met with violence? And don't even get me started on the whole "State police out of Broadview" thing 
... it feels like such a clear divide between those who are in power and those who are speaking out for justice. Can we just have some common sense here? 
I'm literally shaking my head thinking about what's going down with these protests. As someone who's seen their fair share of rallies and demonstrations, it's disheartening to see how peaceful they can get turned ugly by law enforcement. Pepper balls and batons? Really? Can't we just have a respectful conversation about these issues without resorting to violence?
It's crazy how these protests keep getting shut down! I'm all for people showing up to support those being held at ICE facilities, but can't they just chill for one sec? 
I'm so disappointed to hear that these protesters were met with pepper balls and batons for just wanting to show some love and support to their neighbors in need 
. It's like, what's the harm in offering a little communion and some solidarity? 
.
It's just not the most peaceful or welcoming vibe, especially on a day meant for celebration and connection. 
We should be supporting each other, not creating more barriers 
This whole thing feels like a cat-and-mouse game between the advocates and the authorities. And what about those detained folks? Do they really have no say in what happens to them? I'm all for standing up for what's right, but not when it comes at the cost of transparency and accountability... that's just a recipe for disaster 
. I mean, I know some ppl are all about security and protocol, but this is all just kinda...inexcusable 
. We need to start thinking about the human side of things here, you feel? All these ppl marchin' around with signs and stuff, they're not lookin' for a fight, they just wanna help 
. The conditions at the detention center sound really bad, with overcrowding and poor food - it's no wonder people want to show their support 
its like they're putting ppl in cages just to be mean. i think we need more people speaking out against this kind of stuff and advocating for change... maybe someone can come up with a diy solution to make these detention centers safer and more humane 
. thats not how ur supposed to resolve conflicts, fam.ICE should be workin on fixin those conditions instead of treatin ppl like this 
It's all about treating ppl with dignity, right? 
Anyway, this whole thing feels so frustrating and sad 
like, isn't that weird? can you even afford a meal out sometimes? anyway back to the protest... i think it's kinda cool that people are trying to bring some faith and love into this situation 
but at the same time, i get why authorities would be all protective of their facility