Demonstrations against an immigration detention facility in Broadview, Illinois, have intensified in recent weeks, prompting several local religious leaders to participate in the protests. These clergy members argue that the treatment of detainees at the facility contradicts their interpretation of Christian teachings.
Father Larry Dowling, pastor of St. Agatha Catholic Church in Chicago, shared his experience on social media following a visit to the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. He described an attempt to provide communion services to detainees, which was met with resistance from authorities.
Dowling began his post by expressing gratitude to the Maywood and Broadview Police Departments, as well as the Illinois State Police, for facilitating the procession to the facility. However, he criticized the lack of cooperation from ICE officials. “There were no ICE or federal representatives there,” he stated. When requesting to speak with a representative from Homeland Security and ICE, state police contacted them on his behalf. The response was clear: “No, you cannot bring a hint of compassion and prayer into this place.”
Dowling condemned the refusal, calling it outrageous. He urged his followers to pray for those detained, particularly “the children, for the mothers and fathers who are being treated inhumanely.” His message concluded with a call to action: “Please step up and speak out. Silence is supporting this abuse of these members of God’s family.”
Rev. Quincy Worthington of Highland Park Presbyterian Church also spoke about the growing involvement of clergy in the protests. In an interview with NPR, he explained that many in the community feel abandoned, and the presence of religious leaders offers a sense of hope. “Having a member of clergy there standing with them is a reminder that God stands with them as well,” he said.
Worthington described escalating tensions during demonstrations, attributing the increased use of force to ICE officials. He reported that initial encounters involved physical confrontation, followed by the deployment of pepper balls, tear gas, flash-bangs, and rubber bullets. He emphasized that demonstrators did not provoke such responses.
Rev. David Black, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, has also been actively involved in the protests. Last week, he filed a lawsuit alleging that the government violated his First Amendment rights by using excessive force during a peaceful demonstration. In his complaint, Black described being shot with explosive pellets while extending his arms in a traditional Christian gesture of blessing. He claimed the officers targeted him, striking him twice in the head. A video of the incident went viral, and Black reported hearing ICE agents laughing as they fired upon him.
Black described the situation as deeply disturbing, highlighting what he perceives as disorganization and poor training among ICE personnel. His account adds to the growing concerns raised by clergy and activists about the conduct of authorities at the facility.
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