Clergy and immigration advocates are protesting conditions at an immigration center in west suburban Broadview. Last night about a hundred people marched to the center and held a vigil.
They say Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unreasonably limits inmates’ medical care and their communication with family members. The protesters are also calling for the Illinois Senate to pass a bill that would expand detainee access to clergy.Community activist Diego Bonesatti, who attended the march, is concerned that detainees aren’t allowed enough time to visit with clergy: “When they are separated from their families, separated from their loved ones, unable to communicate, perhaps who don’t have legal counsel, in this darkest hour is when they need spiritual ministry.”
ICE counters that its detention conditions are appropriate. The agency says the inmates receive comprehensive health screening.