Overview
- Des Plaines hosted the nation’s largest celebration, a two‑day schedule of Masses, rosaries, Las Mañanitas, a torch lighting, fireworks and livestreams.
- Despite bitter cold and apprehension over immigration enforcement, thousands made the pilgrimage, with some attendees noting thinner crowds than in prior years.
- Des Plaines implemented extensive crowd‑management steps, including road closures through Friday night, limited on‑site paid parking, remote lots with shuttle buses, hundreds of trained volunteers and uniformed police.
- Shrine leaders said federal agents would not be allowed on church grounds without warrants, and a DHS spokesperson told NBC Chicago that ICE does not raid churches.
- Parallel observances spanned Mexico City’s basilica, which draws millions, and U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Dallas, Sacramento and Portland with traditional prayers, music, Indigenous dance and public advocacy events.