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Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage Begins in Des Plaines With Hundreds of Thousands Expected

Pilgrims find expanded security, trained volunteers, and livestream options following recent enforcement fears.

Overview

  • The two-day celebration runs from 8 p.m. Thursday to 7 p.m. Friday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which the Archdiocese calls the largest U.S. gathering of its kind.
  • Des Plaines announced extensive street closures from 4 p.m. Thursday to about 10 p.m. Friday, with restricted access near River Road and ID checks for residents entering closed areas.
  • Organizers deployed more than 400 trained volunteers and uniformed police to manage crowds and prioritize safety across the shrine grounds.
  • Church leaders say federal agents will not be allowed on church property without arrest warrants, and DHS told NBC Chicago that ICE does not raid churches.
  • Telemundo Chicago and NBC 5 are providing live coverage, many services are being livestreamed, and pilgrims journey to fulfill mandas for needs such as jobs, health, immigration and family unity.