Is ICE Present at the Virgin of Guadalupe Pilgrimage? Catholic Church Issues Warning

Fear of immigration raids

Shrine rejects federal presence

Faithful seek spiritual protection

According to EFE, the Catholic Church in Illinois expressed concern on Monday over the possible presence of immigration authorities during this week’s pilgrimages to the Shrine of Guadalupe, an annual celebration that draws thousands of Hispanic faithful.

The religious institution warned that many people are afraid to attend due to fears of raids or immigration interventions that could disrupt the festivities.

The sanctuary, located about 32 kilometers northwest of Chicago, receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and belongs to the Archdiocese of Chicago, which has about 2.3 million parishioners, nearly 40% of whom are Latino.

Shrine administrators have made it clear that they do not want federal agents or ICE present within their facilities.

Shrine strengthens security amid immigration tensions

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Father Esequiel Sánchez, rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, explained during a press conference that the site has a security protocol that does not include the presence of immigration agents.

Sánchez emphasized that it is not an explicit prohibition, but rather an internal organizational guideline intended to provide reassurance to attendees.

The Guadalupe festivities will take place this week, with approximately 300,000 pilgrims expected from different regions of Illinois.

Faithful travel to honor the Virgen Morena, whose devotion is deeply rooted throughout the Hispanic community in the United States.

Fear of immigration raids prompts additional measures

Guadalupe pilgrimage ICE presence causes concerns – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Local police reported they will oversee access points to the sanctuary, monitoring entrances and exits during the celebration days.

Authorities clarified that federal agents cannot enter the religious grounds without a court order, offering a level of protection to those who remain inside the sanctuary.

The area known as Cerrito del Tepeyac, in the suburb of Des Plaines, will be the main gathering site for pilgrims during the religious events.

However, Father Sánchez acknowledged that security cannot be guaranteed on the way to or from the sanctuary since jurisdiction outside the campus differs.

Celebration continues despite immigration concerns

Fear of immigration raids worries pilgrims in Illinois – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

The annual celebration begins this Thursday, and organizers have implemented additional security measures amid rising concern among attendees over potential immigration raids.

The event draws hundreds of thousands of Catholics every year, most of them Latinos of Mexican descent, but also Korean, Filipino, Polish, and Italian groups.

Father Sánchez confirmed that activities will take place Thursday and Friday, though he admitted the ongoing worry about the possible presence of ICE or Border Patrol in surrounding areas.

The Sunday before, numerous devotees brought flowers and candles to the sanctuary as part of the preparations.

Fear of raids affects migrant participation

Over the weekend, a horseback procession was also held as a sign of devotion and respect toward the Virgin of Guadalupe, a tradition maintained year after year.

No incidents were reported during these events, but tension remains high among migrant communities.

The priest noted that concern over immigration matters is not new, as they have faced similar situations among pilgrims for decades.

Sánchez called for the government and communities to find viable solutions that allow people to regularize their immigration status.

Celebrations continue with livestream and virtual alternatives

The inaugural Mass on Thursday is scheduled for 8 p.m., and all ceremonies will be streamed live through social media platforms.

This decision aims to offer alternatives for those who do not feel safe attending in person.

The rector recommended that anyone worried about the harsh winter cold or the presence of immigration authorities consider participating virtually.

The Guadalupe celebrations reflect both the deep devotion of the Latino community to the Virgin of Guadalupe and the tension now generated by the possible presence of immigration agents in the area—an issue central to understanding current Guadalupe pilgrimage ICE concerns.