Overview
- U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman issued a Feb. 12 preliminary injunction requiring DHS to allow clergy into the Broadview facility for Ash Wednesday.
- Faith leaders spent about two hours inside, administering ashes and Communion to four detainees and three staff, and described detainees as tearful and shell-shocked.
- Clergy reported the site looked clean and far less crowded than last fall, with only four detainees present during their visit, and said staff were accommodating as police escorted them.
- Outside the facility, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich led an Ash Wednesday Mass and procession in Melrose Park that organizers said drew more than 3,000 people.
- The access followed a November lawsuit by the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership alleging DHS violated First Amendment and federal religious protections, and faith leaders plan to seek additional visits as the case continues.