Immigration raids cast shadow over Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Sean Lewis

Mon, December 8, 2025 at 10:38 PM UTC

2 min read

DES PLAINES, Ill. — In just a few days, pilgrims and their trek to the northwest suburb of Des Plaines for the annual celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. But this year, organizers acknowledge some may be hesitant to come because of immigration raids.

In past years upwards of 400,000 people have made the pilgrimage to the shrine, with an average of 300,000 on many years. The tradition began in 1987, honoring the Virgin Mary’s appearance in Mexico nearly 500 years ago. People walk for miles, praying for blessings, healing, and hope at the shrine.

And while weather was once the main factor in attendance, this year, it may be the fear of immigration raids by federal agents, which the church has spoken about.

Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez is the Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

“Governments have rights to their laws, but how you implement them is where the moral question comes in,” he said.

The Anglican archdiocese was also at the shrine Monday in solidarity.

Seán Hansen is with the Archdiocese of the Anglican Church of Chicago.

“We will be carrying prayers and petitions and flowers on behalf of community members who aren’t able to attend,” Hansen said. “Together we are stronger than we are apart.”

Gabriela Mendoza brought her newborn to the shrine for the first time, thanking the Virgin Mary for a healthy son. She said she worries about agents interrupting the feast day this year.

“It’s so difficult because some people (want to) pray and come here but it’s difficult for immigrants,” she said.

“Our task is to keep everyone safe, to keep us safe as we can. Our concern isn’t just ICE,” Sanchez said.

For those in charge, it’s a sensitive issue and one that involves safety on many fronts.

“We don’t want to make the pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe an immigration issue,” Sanchez said. “And we hope with all the preparations we’ve made that people will come and make it a wonderful experience for those who would like to come visit.”

If you do plan on coming to Des Plaines be aware that street closures go into effect on Thursday afternoon. The first Mass is at 8 p.m. on Thursday and the final mass is at 8 p.m. on Friday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.

About Our Ads

Source