Faith Leaders Wash Feet of Detainees at Broadview ICE Facility

Clergy members gain court-ordered access to minister to migrants during Holy Week

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:20am

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a simple metal folding chair and a small wooden cross in the foreground, surrounded by deep shadows and warm diagonal sunlight, set against the plain concrete exterior of an immigration detention facility. The image conveys a sense of quiet contemplation and spiritual connection, despite the harsh institutional setting.A solemn moment of faith and solidarity outside an immigration detention center, as clergy members minister to detainees inside.Chicago Today

In a symbolic Holy Thursday ritual, Catholic ministers entered the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement Facility in Broadview, Illinois and washed the feet of 14 detainees. This came after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to allow clergy members access to the facility during the Easter holiday period, following a legal battle over pastoral care access.

Why it matters

The foot-washing ceremony is a powerful tradition that connects the detainees' experiences to the biblical story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. This act of humility and service highlights the ongoing struggle for faith leaders to provide regular pastoral care to migrants in immigration detention facilities, which has faced increasing restrictions in recent years.

The details

Four Catholic ministers, including Rev. David Inczauskis from Loyola University Chicago, were granted access to the Broadview ICE facility on Holy Thursday to perform the traditional foot-washing ritual with 14 detainees. This came after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to allow clergy members inside the facility during the Holy Week and Easter period, overriding the government's objections. The ministers spent over an hour praying, offering communion, and washing feet with the detainees.

  • On Thursday, April 3, 2026, Catholic ministers entered the Broadview ICE facility and washed the feet of 14 detainees.
  • In the months leading up to and since 'Operation Midway Blitz', an immigration crackdown in Chicago, religious leaders have been denied regular access to provide pastoral care at the facility.
  • In November 2025, the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership filed a lawsuit seeking resumed access, shortly after a class-action lawsuit alleged human rights violations at the processing center.
  • In February 2026, faith leaders were allowed back inside the facility for Ash Wednesday after a court order granted limited access.
  • On Tuesday, April 1, 2026, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to again allow clergy members inside the facility from Thursday through Sunday, over the government's objections.

The players

Rev. David Inczauskis

A priest with the Society of Jesus at Loyola University Chicago, and one of the four ministers who provided pastoral care to detainees on Thursday.

Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership

A Chicago-based Catholic advocacy group that filed a lawsuit against the federal government seeking resumed access for religious leaders to provide pastoral care at the Broadview ICE facility.

U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman

The judge who ordered the Trump administration to allow clergy members inside the Broadview ICE facility during the Holy Week and Easter period, over the government's objections.

Kate Williams

A resident of Riverside, Illinois who commemorated Holy Thursday outside the Broadview ICE facility in solidarity with the detainees.

Priscilla Pena

A 23-year-old woman who was one of the first to have her feet washed outside the Broadview ICE facility, as the daughter of an immigrant.

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What they’re saying

“This was a moment of light in a time of so much darkness.”

— Rev. David Inczauskis, Priest, Society of Jesus at Loyola University Chicago

“It is more important now than ever that we literally come to the streets and we celebrate with not only those who are free but those who are still imprisoned.”

— Kate Williams

“I know the sacrifice that they have to make to come here to find a better life. It really hits close to home.”

— Priscilla Pena

What’s next

The federal judge urged the government to find ways to reach a settlement that would enable ongoing access for clergy members to provide pastoral care at the Broadview ICE facility, consistent with historical practice.

The takeaway

This symbolic foot-washing ritual during Holy Week underscores the ongoing struggle for faith leaders to maintain regular access to minister to migrants in immigration detention facilities, which has faced increasing restrictions in recent years. The court-ordered access highlights the importance of upholding religious freedoms and human dignity, even in the face of political tensions over immigration policy.