Preparing for March! - Praying at the Broadview Processing Center early this morning we encountered a man with two suitcases and a bag of clothing for his wife who is being deported to Poland today. He had been told by an ICE officer that he could bring her those items. One member of our prayer group accompanied him to the Illinois State Police vehicle. The officer contacted ICE officers in the building and he was allowed in.

He had not seen his wife in about four weeks, and he was allowed to see her but not touch her. She has a college age daughter on a scholarship in a southern state. He is a lawyer applying for a passport for the first time so he can visit her.

These stories are so disheartening. What evil thing must she have done to warrant deportation separating a family. We expect these stories to continue and increase in number in the next 2-3 months. They are getting closer to home, endangering the resettled families who we have grown to know and love. How can we respond?

After an incredible team effort to cart boxes, bags, shelves, and tables to the former Saint Bernardine School, Centro San Bernardino is open. Volunteers in the “free stores” are offering clothing, coats, boots, and bedding as well as a breakfast space and a children’s playroom. Donations are accepted on Monday mornings from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Saint Bernardine School, 815 Elgin Ave, Forest Park. Please, only seasonal (winter) clothing, boots, coats, and bedding.

Life for the migrants we serve has become so stressful that one of the rooms will be dedicated to accompaniment and advocacy. In addition to social services, ESL, and immigration support, we will be providing resources for the migrants on what to do if a family member is detained, forms for temporary custody of children, how to track a detained family member, Know Your Rights education, and other supportive efforts.

We could not do what we do without your support. MIL GRACIAS, Catholic Community of Oak Park!

Any questions? Please email us at [email protected].