Faith Community Rallies Around Detained Immigrant
Episcopalians in the Diocese of Chicago are calling for the immediate release of Willian Alberto Giménez González, a church member detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Sept. 12. González, an asylum-seeker with a recently issued work permit, was arrested during a traffic stop while driving his wife in a predominantly Latino neighborhood. He is currently being held in a detention facility in Baldwin, Michigan.
St. Paul and the Redeemer Episcopal Church, where González has worshipped since the fall of 2023, hosted a prayer vigil on October 7 for his release and the broader immigrant community. “Willian is a faithful participant in our worship… We miss him dearly,” the church stated, criticizing ICE’s transfer of González across state lines despite his pending immigration proceedings.
ICE Tactics Under Fire as Community Fear Grows
Chicago has seen intensified immigration enforcement under “Operation Midway Blitz,” a Department of Homeland Security initiative launched in early September. More than 1,000 immigrants have been detained in the past month, including 37 during a Sept. 30 raid where helicopters were reportedly used. ICE has been accused of detaining individuals without prior records, often based on appearance alone.
Governor JB Pritzker sharply criticized the federal operation, accusing ICE of creating fear and chaos. “They are the ones that are making it a war zone,” he said, pushing back against claims by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that federal action was necessary to protect personnel.
Episcopal Letter Calls for Moral Action
The Diocese of Chicago’s advocacy is rooted in a broader theological stance articulated in a pastoral letter from Bishop Paula Clark, dated August 1. In it, she challenged all Episcopalians to act, stating, “This is not merely about immigration—it is about justice, dignity, and the soul of our diocese.” She invoked Isaiah 61 to frame the church’s mission as one of liberation and solidarity. The church’s statement echoes this call, aligning its support for González with a scriptural mandate to “proclaim liberty to the captives.”
The diocese continues to urge widespread participation, both spiritual and practical, in support of immigrants.
Sources:
Chicago Episcopalians call for release of immigrant church member arrested by ICE
Statement Regarding Willian Alberto Gimenez Gonzalez from St. Paul & the Redeemer
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