Federal Court Orders ICE Facility to Allow Ash Wednesday Services

A federal judge has stepped in to ensure that Catholic clergy can administer ashes and Communion to immigration detainees at the ICE Broadview facility in Illinois.

The order, issued on February 12, guarantees that religious observances on Ash Wednesday, February 18, will take place, reversing repeated denials by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The ruling comes after the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL), a nonprofit advocating for faith-based support of detainees, filed suit to protect the right of clergy to minister to immigrants in detention.

CSPL’s work is rooted in liberation theology, emphasizing economic, environmental, racial, and social justice.

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Judge Cites Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Judge Robert W. Gettleman found that the government had substantially burdened the religious exercise of clergy without a compelling justification.

In his ruling, he wrote that allowing pastoral care for detainees “will improve the condition of those detained at Broadview.”

The court directed DHS and ICE to permit ashes and Communion, and to collaborate with CSPL to implement safety and security protocols. Officials were also instructed to meet with CSPL about future religious ministry at the facility.

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Clergy Respond to the Ruling

Father Leandro Fossá, CS, a CSPL Clergy Council member, praised the decision:

“The whole world has seen the injustices of our federal immigration system. We are eager to see how the federal government responds to the injunction and restores the fundamental religious rights of people in detention.”

Father Dan Hartnett, SJ, another council member, expressed hope that the ruling would have broader implications:

“The collective voices and faithful witness of Catholics and Christians in Chicago and across the country are making an impact. As Lent begins, we pray this ruling restores religious freedom for those detained and moves our country closer to justice in honoring the dignity of all migrants.”

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The Broader Context for Migrant Rights

Pope Leo XIV highlighted in November 2025 that the spiritual rights of migrants in detention must be respected.

According to CSPL, both priests and religious sisters are expected to visit Broadview to provide pastoral care for Ash Wednesday services. The organization is awaiting ICE’s confirmation on coordinating the logistics.

The Broadview office serves as a temporary processing site for detainees, usually holding them for a few hours but sometimes for up to 72 hours or more, according to allegations last year.

The facility has faced criticism for prolonged detentions without access to basic pastoral support.

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Community Solidarity Through Public Worship

In addition to the facility services, a large outdoor Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Melrose Park, led by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The Mass, organized with the Scalabrinian Missionaries, will include a procession through the community, prayers of the rosary, and hymns—demonstrating the Church’s solidarity with immigrant families.

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What’s Next?

• Coordination between ICE and CSPL for Ash Wednesday services inside Broadview.

• Clergy and religious sisters scheduled to minister to detainees during the holiday.

• Broader discussions about ensuring consistent access to pastoral care at ICE facilities nationwide.

• Monitoring of government compliance with the court order, which could set a precedent for religious rights in detention.

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Summary

A federal court has ruled that Catholic clergy must be allowed to provide ashes and Communion to detainees at the Broadview ICE facility on Ash Wednesday, February 18.

The decision, in favor of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, cites violations of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Clergy, including priests and religious sisters, will now be permitted to visit, while the ruling also requires coordination for future religious ministry.

The case underscores ongoing efforts to protect the spiritual and human rights of migrants in detention, with community events highlighting solidarity and faith-based support.