On Wednesday, an interfaith assembly organized by the Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders took place outside Kane County’s judicial center in St. Charles. The event aimed to show solidarity with immigrants in light of heightened federal immigration enforcement in the Chicago area.

The gathering occurred as immigration experts noted a shift in enforcement strategy. A year after Operation Midway Blitz, which involved tear-gassing in Chicago neighborhoods and the arrest of thousands, enforcement activities persist but have shifted to routine check-ins and criminal courthouses.

Mark Weinert, co-president of the Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders, explained their ongoing gatherings outside court facilities. Since this year’s beginning, they have met outside Elgin’s courthouse monthly to support immigrant neighbors. Notably, increased activity was reported at local courthouses, prompting the coalition to schedule Wednesday’s event in St. Charles.

Attendees expressed concern over immigrants being detained during routine check-ins, facing minor charges, or dealing with unresolved cases. Weinert highlighted the need for presence in support, stating, “People are going, just trying to do their due diligence, trying to follow the law … and then being picked up.”

Before starting their gathering, attendees were relocated to a grassy area to comply with new county rules regarding courthouse protests. These guidelines also outline how apprehensions occur and the permitted actions during protests.

An interfaith gathering of clergy and activists sing and pray in support of immigrants amid rising ICE activity at the Kane County Judicial Center.

The guidelines, issued earlier this year by the 16th Judicial Circuit, dictate how law enforcement should conduct apprehensions, requiring notification of court security and waiting until after court events. Protesting is restricted to designated areas at least 100 feet from entrances.

The rules also prohibit erratic driving, chasing officers, and amplified sound within 250 feet of courtrooms, while allowing signs, chanting, singing, and distributing literature in designated assembly areas.

The Illinois ACLU chapter raised concerns about these rules, emphasizing they specifically target speech related to immigration enforcement. In contrast, Weinert noted the group’s intentions are not to protest but to bear witness in support of immigrants.

“People cannot be reduced to a case number, or a legal status,” Weinert remarked. “We stand here today as people of faith, and simply as people, to say to our immigrant neighbors: you are seen, you are not forgotten, you are not alone. You are part of our community.”

The gathering featured prayer and song, led by local clergy including Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein and Rev. Thea Kornelius, repeating the chorus “We stand with our neighbors.” A moment of silence and a shofar blast symbolized the community’s care.

The Elgin clergy also support their community through meals, supplies, and “Know Your Rights” training. Weinert stressed their commitment to support, saying, “We just want folks to know that people of faith are seeing, and we are standing with them.”

Rev. Alan Taylor, experienced in “faith-based organizing,” emphasized the importance of moral witness and advocacy, especially in challenging times marked by “cruel policies.”

He poignantly noted the time for moral voices, highlighting personal experiences of witnessing detentions.