Interfaith Gathering Supports Immigrants Amid Increased ICE Activity at Kane County Judicial Center

On a recent Wednesday, a group of supporters, clad in everyday clothing and religious attire, gathered in front of Kane County’s judicial center in St. Charles. Their signs spoke of justice and the rights of immigrants. Songs and prayers filled the air as the group sang lines like, “Our love for each other will carry us through,” in call-and-response format.

The event was organized by the Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders (CERL), an interfaith council. The gathering aimed to support immigrants in response to ongoing federal immigration enforcement in Chicago and nearby areas. Immigration specialists note a change in enforcement tactics, highlighting an increase in arrests during routine check-ins and court visits.

Mark Weinert, co-president of CERL and lead pastor at First Christian Church in Elgin, explained that their gatherings outside court facilities began in early 2026. They have stood outside Elgin’s courthouse every first Wednesday of the month, advocating for immigrant rights. The decision to hold the gathering at Kane County’s judicial center emerged after hearing of increased federal activity at local courthouses.

Weinert explained, “People are trying to do their due diligence, follow the law, and check in, and then they are picked up. We thought we needed to be present.” New county rules required the group to relocate from the sidewalk to a grassy area across the street as part of these regulations before the gathering commenced.

Recent rules from the 16th Judicial Circuit say law enforcement must notify court security and local police before making arrests at or near courthouses. Protest guidelines restrict demonstrations to designated public areas, preventing actions like driving erratically through court lots and using amplified sound nearby. Protests must remain calm and non-confrontational, allowing signs, chanting, and literature distribution within permissible bounds.

“Our gathering aims not to disrupt, but to bear witness,” explained Weinert, underscoring the intention behind Wednesday’s event.

Weinert highlighted the group’s stance: “People cannot be reduced to a case number, or a legal status … You are seen, you are not forgotten, you are not alone. You are part of our community.” The gathering featured songs, prayers, and a moment of silence, culminating with Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein blowing the shofar.

Rabbi Klein, who has long worked on immigration issues, noted personal motivation linked to historical targeting of Jewish people, compelling her ongoing support. Echoing this sentiment, the Rev. Alan Taylor voiced his commitment to advocacy in light of “cruel policies” and personal experiences witnessing detentions.

Beyond court gatherings, Elgin’s religious leaders provide community support through food, supplies, and “Know Your Rights” training for immigrants. Weinert emphasized, “We want people of faith to be visible, standing with and supporting them in any way possible.” Taylor added that during “especially scary times,” moral witness and advocacy are crucial, reinforcing the purpose of their continued presence.