Just outside of the chain-link fence that surrounds the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility, a soft hum of hymns resounded as worshippers clasped hands and prayed. Candles flickered at an altar adorned with bright orange marigolds, cardboard monarchs and photos of loved ones affected by mass deportations — a striking contrast to the dark connotations associated with the facility behind them.

Members of DePaul’s Catholic Student Union blended faith and activism in an All Saints’ Day mass on Saturday, Nov. 1. Over 2,000 worshippers attended the service, according to a press release.

The mass was organized by the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL) and consisted of prayers for immigrants arrested, separated from their families or threatened with deportation, and for those affected by widespread ICE activity across Chicago.

The gathering was peaceful, as attendees sang, linked arms with one another and recited prayers led by religious figures from all over Chicago and neighboring suburbs. 

Those present were also invited to place sacred objects at an altar consisting of photos of people who have been deported or detained, signs, and other memorabilia. Marigolds were also placed atop the altar, in recognition of All Saints’ Day.

Rachelle Kramer, director of the Catholic Campus Ministry, accompanied students to Broadview because she wanted to help give them the opportunity to advocate for a cause they care deeply about. 

“I’m really proud of the students for wanting to do this and attending,” she said. “I’m delighted that they took this initiative and I think it’s a good experience to advocate and to pray.”

Kramer, who describes herself as a faith-driven individual, felt that it was necessary to attend in solidarity with those being held at the facility and being persecuted around the country.

“Every person created in God’s image and likeness has human dignity. I think it’s critical we raise our voices to what’s happening right now,” Kramer said.

Juliana Soto, the president of the Catholic Student Union, also acknowledged the importance of taking action and publicly demonstrating support for immigrants.

“I think especially in this moment of fear and turbulence in our community, it’s especially necessary as people of faith to show up and to use that foundation of faith and of the Eucharist to stand up for what’s right,” Soto said.

For Elizabeth Patino, a DePaul sophomore, the apparent divide within communities is “deeply disheartening.” She feels that while many claim to uphold Christian values such as compassion and inclusivity, their actions fail to reflect that.

“I see the effects. I see the worry in people’s eyes,” Patino said. “It’s so sad to see, and it’s so angering,” she added.

Soto revived the club during the last school year, finding comfort in the community of like-minded individuals.

“The fact that there is someone else that wants to give importance to a situation like this, it gives me hope,” Soto said.

The mass being held outdoors holds special meaning in Catholicism, according to the CSPL website. Historically, outdoor masses have served as sacred gatherings of and nonviolent acts of defiance during times of oppression. 

For weeks, members of CSPL have advocated for access to the center to allow detainees the opportunity to receive communions, and this time was no different.

The religious leaders were denied entry, resulting in a tearful moment of silence among attendees. This is the group’s second attempt at entering the facility after first being denied at an Oct. 11 event. Maximino Montalvo, a deacon at St. Mary of Czestochowa church in Cicero, said he believes it’s a huge injustice.

“It’s just kind of painful to see our brothers and sisters going through this,” Montalvo said. 

Anthony Williams, the board president of CSPL, acknowledged the importance of communion to the Catholic community and expressed his concern that detainees can’t participate.

“We’re fighting evil, clear and simple. We’re fighting evil,” Williams said. “We’re going to be persistent in trying to bring Jesus to this environment.”

On Friday, Oct. 31, a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of those held in the facility, alleging that many are being denied their right to counsel and held in cramped, unhygienic and neglected spaces.

Since September, dozens of protesters have gathered outside the facility following the start of Operation Midway Blitz. On multiple occasions, tensions have escalated between them, federal agents and state officials. 

Kramer believes that simply showing up and taking collective action is half the battle.

“Even though we can’t physically embrace the people in the detention center, at least we are close in vicinity to them,” Kramer said.

“Hopefully that can offer hope and can offer courage for others to act.”

Sofia Joseph contributed to this report.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled the name of Maximino Montalvo as Maximilio Montalgo.