Arrest of Rev. Michael Woolf Sparks Outcry
During a faith-led protest outside the ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, on November 14, Rev. Michael Woolf was violently arrested by police. Video footage showed officers pulling Woolf from a crowd of chanting demonstrators, slamming him to the ground, and placing him in plastic handcuffs. Woolf, pastor of Lake Street Church in Evanston, reported injuries and described degrading treatment by police. His arrest highlighted growing tensions surrounding Operation Midway Blitz, the recent mass deportation campaign underway in Chicago. Footage of his arrest circulated widely, prompting national attention and renewed calls for reform of ICE practices.
Faith Leaders Condemn ICE and Police Response
Woolf and other clergy members have been active in opposing federal immigration enforcement, calling the situation a “spiritual emergency.” At Friday’s protest, more than 100 faith leaders from various denominations gathered for a multi-faith service and delivered a letter requesting access to detainees. Their offers of pastoral care and sacraments were again denied. Organizers say this refusal violates religious freedom and human dignity. Seven of the 21 arrested protesters were clergy, including Baptist, Jewish, and Unitarian Universalist leaders. Demonstrators carried symbolic items, such as bread and clean water, to represent unmet humanitarian needs.
DHS Response Triggers Backlash
The Department of Homeland Security mocked protesters on social media, calling them “imbecilic morons” and “violent rioters.” In response, clergy leaders defended their peaceful actions and rejected DHS accusations. United Methodist Rev. Kristina Sinks questioned why DHS felt threatened by prayer, stating, “This is our job.” Woolf emphasized that faith leaders were demanding due process rights for detainees, not inciting violence. DHS officials, however, insisted that the video showed rioters attacking officers, though they did not specify which footage.
Allegations of Police Brutality Mount
Video and eyewitness accounts describe aggressive force by police, including pushing, dragging, and slamming clergy to the ground. Some protestors, including Rev. Hannah Kardon and Rev. Quincy Worthington, reported seeing “overwhelming and unnecessary violence.” Previous demonstrations saw clergy shot with pepper balls, with one minister, Rev. David Black, filmed being hit in the head. These incidents are now central to a class-action lawsuit and a separate legal challenge against federal agencies. Many clergy say they were targeted specifically because of their religious roles and visible attire.
Growing Legal and Political Fallout
Activists accuse Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker of enabling ICE operations by deploying local police. As lawsuits move forward, protesters continue to allege human rights abuses inside the facility. Despite arrests and injuries, Woolf said faith leaders sang, prayed, and worshiped while in custody, underlining their commitment to justice. Calls for transparency and accountability continue to build, with religious leaders vowing to return until detainees receive humane treatment and constitutional protections.
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At least seven faith leaders arrested at Broadview ICE facility protest
Photo by Zander Betterton on Unsplash
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