A significant act of faith unfolded as a large group of religious leaders and community members sought to deliver Holy Communion to detainees at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Illinois. The event took place on a Saturday, where around 1,000 individuals marched from Maywood to the processing center, aiming to provide spiritual support. However, upon reaching their destination, their request to distribute Communion was denied by ICE.
Denial of Communion Delivery to Detainees
The gathering included Catholic priests, nuns, and other lay leaders, all united in their mission. Illinois State Police Lt. Col. Jason Bradley communicated the clergy’s request to ICE, but the agency did not provide a reason for the refusal. Following the denial, the participants held a Communion service in a nearby parking lot.
Protests and Public Response
Participants expressed their disappointment vocally, chanting “Shame! Shame!” when informed about the rejection. Rev. Larry Dowling, one of the clergy present, highlighted the emotional toll of such a denial, emphasizing their desire to share the love of God with detained individuals.
Sarah Rand, a spokesperson for the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, pointed out the 2008 Access to Religious Ministry Act. This legislation grants religious figures “reasonable access” to detention facilities, allowing them to tend to the spiritual needs of detainees. However, she noted that ICE had restricted access significantly for weeks.
Protest Circumstances
The atmosphere of the day was charged, as protesters had been gathering early in the morning at various locations. On the same day, tensions escalated as nearly ten protesters faced arrest for various charges, including destruction of government property and resisting arrest.
- Date of the March: October 11, 2025
- Location: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, Broadview, Illinois
- Participants: Approximately 1,000 religious and community members
- Charges faced by protesters: Include aggravated battery to a police officer and mob action.
As the day progressed, police enforced a dispersal order due to the approach of the city’s protest curfew at 6 p.m. The tensions between protesters and law enforcement remain high, particularly as demonstrations have intensified in light of recent deportation campaigns initiated under the previous administration.
This event stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle for religious expression and humanitarian support within the context of U.S. immigration policies. The rejection of Communion delivery serves as a focal point for discussions about access to spiritual services for detainees and the broader implications of such policies on community relations.
