Immigrant Support Rally at Kane County Judicial Center
A diverse group, including people in everyday wear and religious attire, gathered outside Kane County’s judicial center in St. Charles. Their signs stated messages like “Justice for our neighbors” and “ICE strips peoples’ humanity.” Singing and prayers filled the air as the group united around the sentiment, “Our love for each other will carry us through.” This event, organized by the Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders (CERL), aimed to show solidarity with immigrants amidst ongoing federal immigration enforcement in the Chicago area.
Recently, immigration experts have noted changes in federal enforcement. Although last year’s Operation Midway Blitz, marked by tear-gassing and mass arrests in Chicago, concluded, enforcement persists. Reports highlight an increase in arrests during routine check-ins and courthouse visits, even for individuals with minor charges or unresolved cases. This gathering outside Kane County’s judicial center reflects ongoing concerns, as the venue has seen protests according to social media accounts.
CERL, represented by Mark Weinert, co-president and lead pastor at First Christian Church in Elgin, explained that their gatherings are a monthly affair, aimed at supporting immigrant communities. They decided to meet in St. Charles after noting increased federal activity at local courthouses. Weinert emphasized the need to be present, as people trying to comply with the law find themselves detained.
“People are going, just trying to do their due diligence, trying to follow the law … trying to check in, and then being picked up. And so we thought, you know, yeah, we thought we needed to kind of be there and be present.”
Recent rules govern how protests and apprehensions occur at courthouse properties. The 16th Judicial Circuit’s guidelines seek to clarify these processes, safeguarding constitutional rights while ensuring safety. Court security coordination and post-court-event apprehension are key policies. Guidelines also restrict protest activities to designated areas, with prohibitions on erratic driving, chasing law enforcement, and amplified sound near courtrooms.
The June guidelines specifically address speech related to immigration and law enforcement, raising concerns from entities like the ACLU of Illinois. They argue these rules target specific types of speech, potentially infringing on constitutional rights.
Weinert emphasized CERL’s gatherings aim to witness rather than protest, highlighting the fear immigrant communities face. They seek to remind these community members they are seen and valued beyond their legal status.
“People cannot be reduced to a case number, or a legal status,” Weinert said. “And so we stand here today as people of faith, and simply as people, to say to our immigrant neighbors: you are seen, you are not forgotten, you are not alone. You are part of our community.”
The gathering involved singing and prayer, including a moment of silence and the blowing of the shofar, a traditional instrument, by Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein.
Beyond gatherings, local clergy support immigrant communities through food, supplies, and “Know Your Rights” training sessions. Rev. Alan Taylor has also engaged in broader advocacy, drawing attention to recent “cruel policies” impacting immigrants. He stressed the need for moral voices to stand firm against these challenges.
“This is a time for moral voices, and that’s why I’m here,” Taylor stated, reinforcing the importance of visible support and advocacy for immigrant communities.