Charges Dropped Against Some Clergy Arrested in Chicago DHS Protest

Prosecutors dismiss charges for 19 of 21 people arrested at faith-led demonstration outside immigration detention facility

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Prosecutors in Cook County, Illinois have dropped charges against 19 of the 21 people arrested during a faith-led protest outside a Department of Homeland Security facility in Broadview last November. At least seven of those arrested were clergy members who had gathered to condemn DHS actions and demand access to provide pastoral care to immigrant detainees. While some clergy had their charges dismissed, two protesters, including an organizer of faith communities, still face pending charges related to the demonstration.

Why it matters

The arrests and charges against the clergy and other protesters highlight the ongoing tensions between faith communities and federal immigration enforcement agencies over access to detention facilities and the treatment of immigrants. The dismissal of charges for most of the arrested clergy is seen as a victory, but the continued prosecution of some demonstrators raises concerns about the use of the legal system to discourage and punish acts of peaceful protest.

The details

In November 2025, a group of faith leaders gathered outside the DHS facility in Broadview, Illinois to protest the agency's actions and demand access to provide communion and pastoral care to immigrant detainees. During the demonstration, 21 people were arrested, including at least seven clergy members. On February 9, 2026, the Cook County State's Attorney's office announced it was dropping charges against 19 of the 21 arrested protesters. Among those who had their charges dismissed was Michael Woolf, an American Baptist minister, who said the initial charges were "egregious" and that he suffered bruises from his dramatic arrest. However, two protesters, including a faith community organizer, still face pending charges related to the demonstration.

  • The protest outside the DHS facility in Broadview, Illinois took place in November 2025.
  • On February 9, 2026, the Cook County State's Attorney's office announced it was dropping charges against 19 of the 21 arrested protesters.

The players

Michael Woolf

An American Baptist minister who pastors Lake Street Church of Evanston, Illinois and had his charges dropped after being arrested during the protest.

Hannah Kardon

A United Methodist minister who is still facing state-level charges after being arrested in a similar protest at the same location just weeks before the faith-led demonstration.

Brian Straw

A United Methodist attorney and trustee of the Village of Oak Park who is one of the "Broadview Six" facing federal charges for their role in protests at the Broadview DHS facility.

Kat Abughazaleh

A Democratic congressional candidate who is one of the "Broadview Six" facing federal charges for their role in protests at the Broadview DHS facility.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that operates the Broadview immigration detention facility where the protests took place and whose agents responded violently to the demonstrations.

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What they’re saying

“There is nothing like seeing the law enforcement officers who abused you look confused as the states attorney dismisses your charges. They never should have been brought in the first place.”

— Michael Woolf, American Baptist minister (Chicago Sun-Times)

“Every act of peaceful protest at Broadview, where people were being taken from their communities and detained without food, water, hygiene, safety, or access to law, faith, and family, was a sacred act of care for our neighbors.”

— Hannah Kardon, United Methodist minister (Religion News Service)

“I continue to pray for it every day, and will until every charge is dropped, every kidnapped neighbor freed, and every demonic detention center closed.”

— Hannah Kardon, United Methodist minister (Religion News Service)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the two remaining protesters out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between faith communities and federal immigration enforcement agencies over access to detention facilities and the treatment of immigrants. While the dismissal of charges for most of the arrested clergy is a victory, the continued prosecution of some demonstrators raises concerns about the use of the legal system to discourage and punish acts of peaceful protest.