Pastor Detained Outside ICE Facility; Criticizes Illinois Governor in Escalating Immigration Clash

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Chicago Pastor Detained Outside ICE Facility as Faith Leaders Condemn State Leadership

Chicago, IL — November 2025:
A peaceful protest outside the Broadview ICE Processing Center turned tense on Friday as multiple faith leaders — including a prominent pastor — were detained during an escalating standoff over federal immigration enforcement in Illinois.

The protest, led by clergy from various Christian denominations, was aimed at condemning the use of force by ICE agents and highlighting what they call a “moral failure” by Illinois officials.

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At Least 20+ Detained, Including Reverends and Ministers

According to witnesses, around 21 clergy members and activists were taken into custody during a prayer vigil outside the facility. Among them was Rev. Michael Woolf, a well-known Presbyterian pastor from Evanston, who says he was detained for nearly seven hours.

Faith leaders say the demonstration was peaceful — consisting of hymns, scripture readings, and prayer circles — before officers intervened.

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Pastor Alleges Abuse by ICE Agents

Another pastor, Rev. David Black, previously revealed that he was shot in the head with a pepper ball while praying, claiming he heard agents laughing as they fired. That incident sparked nationwide attention and led to a federal inquiry into the use of force at the Broadview facility.

Clergy members believe these tactics are intended to intimidate protesters and violate their First Amendment rights.

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Faith Leaders Point Fingers at Illinois Governor

Tensions escalated further when detained pastors directly criticized Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, accusing him of:

• Allowing state police resources to support ICE enforcement

• Failing to protect peaceful religious demonstrators

• Ignoring violations of the Illinois TRUST Act

Some clergy have publicly stated that the governor’s office is “shielding ICE agents” rather than defending immigrant communities and faith-based activists.

Religious leaders say that despite Illinois branding itself a “sanctuary state,” cooperation between state authorities and federal agents continues behind the scenes.

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Federal Judge Issues Restrictions on ICE After Force Complaints

Recently, a federal judge approved a temporary restraining order (TRO) limiting ICE and DHS agents from:

• Using tear gas or pepper balls on non-violent protesters

• Targeting clergy and journalists

• Operating without visible identification

This ruling came after widespread criticism of excessive force used during earlier protests.

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Growing Religious Opposition to Federal Crackdown

The crackdown known as “Operation Midway Blitz” has fueled rapid mobilization among churches, mosques, and synagogues across the Chicago area.

Faith leaders have:

• Organized prayer vigils

• Offered sanctuary to immigrant families

• Attempted to deliver communion to detainees

• Formed legal aid teams for asylum seekers

According to organizers, the movement is not political — it is moral.

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Community Response: ‘This is a Moral Emergency’

Clergy from Catholic, Protestant, and interfaith coalitions have condemned the treatment of migrants and the force used against religious demonstrators. Many say the Broadview ICE operations reflect a “system built on fear and dehumanization.”

Others argue that arrests of clergy — especially during prayer — violate basic religious freedom.

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What Happens Next

Legal teams representing detained pastors are preparing statements and demanding accountability from state and federal officials. Activists say more demonstrations are planned in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the restraining order could lead to long-term changes in how ICE interacts with protesters in Illinois.

One thing is clear:
The faith community is not backing down.

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