Interfaith Gathering Supports Immigrants Amid Heightened ICE Activity

On Wednesday, a diverse group of individuals gathered at Kane County’s judicial center in St. Charles to show support for immigrants amidst increased federal immigration enforcement in and around Chicago. Organized by the Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders, this interfaith prayer session featured signs like “Justice for our neighbors” and “ICE strips peoples’ humanity,” along with singing and prayers.

The gathering occurred during what experts consider a shift in how federal immigration enforcement is conducted. While enforcement actions did not cease after last fall’s Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, recent months have witnessed a rise in arrests at routine check-ins and courthouses. Concerns have grown, particularly for individuals currently facing minor charges or awaiting unresolved cases, who are being arrested in places such as Kane County’s judicial center.

CERL has been holding monthly gatherings outside Elgin’s courthouse since January. It’s a show of solidarity towards immigrant communities.

According to Mark Weinert, co-president of the coalition and lead pastor at First Christian Church in Elgin, the group decided to convene at the St. Charles judicial center after learning about increased federal activity in local courthouses. Despite not seeing arrests during their gatherings in Elgin, they realized the problem was occurring at the county building. Weinert explained the necessity of their presence, stating: “People are going, just trying to do their due diligence, trying to follow the law … trying to check in, and then being picked up.”

Observing new county rules on courthouse protests, Wednesday’s event unfolded in a designated public assembly area across from the judicial center. An interfaith group of clergy and activists gathered in a peaceful demonstration of support for immigrants, amidst new guidelines for apprehensions and protests issued by the 16th Judicial Circuit.

May brought directives specifying how arrests near courthouses should be handled, emphasizing coordination with court security and restricting apprehensions until after court events conclude. A subsequent June order outlined regulations for protests, restricting activities to designated areas and setting additional rules to ensure safety and uninterrupted court access.

These rules have stirred debate and criticism, notably from the Illinois chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which criticized the guidelines for singling out speech related to immigration enforcement. They raised constitutional concerns about how rapid responders documenting ICE activity might be affected.

The interfaith coalition’s gathering is intended as a witness rather than a protest, Weinert stressed, explaining the group’s mission to demonstrate that immigrants are recognized as part of the community. “People cannot be reduced to a case number or a legal status,” he asserted. “We stand here today to say to our immigrant neighbors: you are seen, you are not forgotten.”

With representatives from various faith communities leading prayers and songs, the event sought to offer support and recognition. Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein, who has long worked on immigration issues, shared her commitment due to a moral imperative, referencing historical targeting of Jewish communities as part of her motivation.

In addition to courthouse gatherings, Elgin-based clergy collaborate with community members providing food, supplies, and hosting “Know Your Rights” training for immigrants. Rev. Alan Taylor of Geneva’s Unitarian Universalist Society, who has long advocated for immigration-related support, underscored the importance of moral witness and advocacy. Utilizing his experiences and commitment to moral voices, Taylor contributed to organizing faith-based activities ranging from border trips during Trump’s administration to local demonstrations.