Chicago-Area ICE Facility Grants Clergy Holy Week Access

Judge rejects government's attempt to bar religious ministers from visiting detainees.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:27pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene oil painting depicting a Catholic priest standing alone outside the entrance of an immigration detention facility, the building's facade bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a contemplative, hopeful mood.As religious leaders regain access to immigrant detainees, the solemn scene evokes a renewed sense of spiritual care and community support.Broadview Today

A Chicago federal judge ruled that Catholic clergy can minister to detainees at a Chicago-area immigration facility during the upcoming Holy Week holidays, rejecting significant pushback from government attorneys who wanted their access barred.

Why it matters

The ruling upholds the long-standing practice of allowing religious leaders to provide spiritual support to detainees, which was disrupted by the Trump administration's more aggressive deportation policies in the Chicago area.

The details

Judge Robert Gettleman said he saw no reason for an 'absolute ban' on clergy access to the Broadview, Illinois facility, noting there was a history of prayer and religious ministry at the building before the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration. The plaintiffs had also requested regular access to the facility for clergy, beyond just the Holy Week period.

  • The upcoming Holy Week holidays are the focus of the court's ruling.

The players

Judge Robert Gettleman

A Chicago federal judge who issued the ruling allowing clergy access to the immigration facility during Holy Week.

Broadview, Illinois

The location of the immigration facility where the clergy will be allowed to minister to detainees.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I just don't see any reason for there to be an absolute ban on this.”

— Judge Robert Gettleman

The takeaway

This ruling upholds the important role of religious leaders in providing spiritual support to immigrant detainees, even as the political climate has become more hostile towards immigration in recent years.