Faith Leaders Rally at Naval Station Great Lakes, Demand End to ICE’s Midway Blitz

On Saturday, faith leaders and immigrant-rights activists staged a powerful rally outside Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, demanding an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Operation Midway Blitz. The demonstration highlighted growing opposition to the Biden administration’s expanded immigration crackdown and the use of military infrastructure to support federal enforcement.

Background on Operation Midway Blitz

Launched in early September 2025, Operation Midway Blitz involves large-scale ICE raids across the Chicago region, targeting undocumented immigrants with alleged criminal backgrounds. Federal officials confirmed that Naval Station Great Lakes has been used as a staging hub for the operation, bringing together ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal agencies.

Critics, however, warn that the campaign casts too wide a net, instilling fear in immigrant communities and risking the detention of non-criminal residents. Civil rights groups argue that conducting enforcement near a naval facility signals an alarming step toward the militarization of immigration policy.

Prayer March and Symbolic Protest

The protest was organized as a prayer march, led by clergy from different faith traditions. Participants circled the entrance to Naval Station Great Lakes seven times, invoking the biblical story of Jericho to symbolize tearing down walls of fear and division. The event combined prayer, song, and speeches, creating a peaceful but determined atmosphere.

Reverend Will Esty of North Shore Unitarian Church said, “We gather in faith to say no to raids, no to fear, and yes to human dignity.” Pastor Craig Mousin and Reverend Dr. Beth Johnson echoed similar messages, urging ICE to leave Illinois and calling on the government to pursue humane immigration reforms.

No arrests were reported, and organizers emphasized that the march was nonviolent, rooted in both moral conviction and community solidarity.

Political Reactions in Illinois

Illinois leaders have strongly opposed the surge in federal enforcement. Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized the use of military facilities for domestic immigration raids, while Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton warned that families across the state feel “under siege.”

Advocates argue that raids of this magnitude undermine trust between communities and local authorities, making immigrants less likely to report crimes or seek assistance. Instead of promoting safety, they say, the operation increases fear and marginalization.

What Comes Next?

Organizers vowed that Saturday’s prayer march is only the beginning. More rallies, vigils, and community forums are being planned across Illinois. Legal aid groups are distributing “Know Your Rights” guides to help residents prepare in case of ICE encounters.

Meanwhile, legal experts are raising questions about the federal government’s authority to stage operations from Naval Station Great Lakes without transparent consultation with state officials. Civil liberties organizations are monitoring potential constitutional challenges.

For faith leaders, the message is clear: immigration enforcement must never come at the expense of human dignity. Saturday’s protest demonstrated that the movement to resist Operation Midway Blitz is gaining momentum — and it shows no signs of stopping.