NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- A dedicated group of parishioners from Waukegan organized a heartfelt prayer vigil at Naval Station Great Lakes this past Sunday. This gathering coincided with ongoing tensions regarding President Donald Trump's proposed deployment of the National Guard to Chicago. In a related development, ABC7 Chicago is now offering 24/7 streaming coverage of these unfolding events.
Taking their Sunday services on the road, a small yet determined group of parishioners from Waukegan's United Giving Hope sanctuary embarked on a 6-mile walk to the Naval Station. This act of solidarity and faith came as federal agents are anticipated to establish a presence at the base, expected to begin operations as early as this week in preparation for large-scale immigration enforcement initiatives. Pastor Julie Contreras of United Giving Hope highlighted the profound impact these detentions and raids have on individuals and families, stating, "These detentions, these operatives, these raids have an impact on human beings."
Reports suggest that immigration operations could commence as soon as Friday. However, during a recent appearance on Face the Nation, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem refrained from divulging specific details regarding these impending actions. "I won't disclose the details because they are law enforcement and investigative folks that are on the ground there, and I want to make sure we keep their security our number one priority," Noem explained. She went on to note that ongoing operations with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) have been occurring throughout Chicago and Illinois, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law while also indicating intentions to bolster resources for these efforts.
In the same interview, Governor JB Pritzker voiced his strong opposition to the potential deployment of the National Guard alongside federal immigration officials. "If they do, they'll be in court pretty quickly, because that is illegal," Pritzker asserted. He referenced the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts U.S. troops from participating in domestic law enforcement unless in cases of insurrection or emergencies. "National Guard troops, any kind of troops on the streets of an American city, don't belong unless there is an insurrection, unless there is truly an emergency; there is not," Pritzker added.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has taken further action by signing an executive order known as the Protecting Chicago Initiative. This order prohibits the Chicago Police Department from assisting federal authorities with civil immigration enforcement, including related patrols, traffic stops, and checkpoints during the anticipated surge in operations. At a West Side festival, Johnson reassured attendees, stating, "We will not be intimidated. We are standing up to Donald Trump. Are you with me? We're going to stand— we gotta stand firm. We're gonna stand strong."
Back at Naval Station Great Lakes, Pastor Contreras led her group in prayer, which included petitions for those in charge of the base. She expressed the difficulty of rallying her regular attendees, citing fear as a significant barrier. "This morning, a mother came and she said others tell her, 'Don't come. They will see you. They will target you.' Can we promise her tomorrow? No, we cannot," Contreras lamented.
Meanwhile, in the western suburbs, an immigrant rights group organized a protest outside the ICE staging facility in Broadview on the same Sunday. The protestors are advocating for the closure of the facility, claiming that detainees are held for extended periods without adequate access to basic necessities such as beds or showers. Following a previous protest at the facility last month, an ICE spokesperson responded to allegations of inhumane treatment, stating, "Any accusations that detainees are treated inhumanely in any way are categorically false."
