Interfaith Coalition Stands with Immigrants Amid ICE Activity

A diverse group gathered outside Kane County’s judicial center in St. Charles. Some wore casual clothes, while others donned religious attire. Signs called out for “Justice for our neighbors” and criticized ICE actions. Singing and praying punctuated the event. “Our love for each other will carry us through,” a group sang in response.

The Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders, an interfaith council, organized the gathering. Their aim was to support immigrants facing increased federal immigration enforcement in Chicago. This shift occurs about a year after Operation Midway Blitz, which involved heavy-handed tactics and arrests. Recently, there has been an increase in detentions at routine check-ins and courthouses. These actions often involve individuals with minor charges who haven’t been convicted.

Mark Weinert, the lead pastor at First Christian Church in Elgin and co-president of the coalition, explained. The group has consistently gathered outside courthouses to stand with the immigrant community. Upon hearing about increased federal immigration activity, they chose to gather in September at the Kane County judicial center.

“People are going, just trying to do their due diligence, trying to follow the law … trying to check in,” said Weinert. “And then being picked up. So we thought we needed to be there and be present.”

Recent guidelines have affected how apprehensions and protests at courthouses are conducted in Kane County. New rules clarify expectations for public behavior and law enforcement activities. They ensure constitutional rights while maintaining safety and access to court services.

A May general order specifies that law enforcement must notify court security before making arrests. Arrests should only occur after court events conclude. In June, a second order defined protest guidelines, detailing designated assembly areas and prohibiting disruptive actions near court facilities.

The Illinois ACLU chapter has criticized these guidelines. They argue that the rules single out speech related to immigration and create constitutional concerns. Rapid responders observing ICE activities at judicial centers face challenges under these rules.

Weinert stressed their gatherings are not protests but demonstrations of support. “Not to disrupt, but to bear witness,” he said. He highlighted the need to show immigrant neighbors they are valued and not alone.

Led by Rev. Thea Kornelius of First Presbyterian Church in Elgin, attendees sang and prayed. Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein played the shofar, reflecting the community’s spiritual support. Both leaders have engaged with immigration issues for years. They advocate for justice and compassion within the community.

Besides courthouse gatherings, Elgin-based clergy aid immigrants with resources and “Know Your Rights” trainings. They aim to demonstrate their faith and standing with affected families.

Rev. Alan Taylor of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva highlighted his work in faith-based advocacy. He has engaged in multiple initiatives to support immigration-related causes. “This is a time for moral voices,” Taylor noted, pointing out the need for advocacy amid challenging policies.