Chicago federal intervention: Tracking surge in immigration enforcement operations | Updates

For the first time since the Trump administration began its immigration enforcement operation "Midway Blitz" in September, Cardinal Blase Cupich provided extensive remarks about the issue.

Back in Chicago after a trip to Rome last week, Cupich said it is important for the church to have a moral and ethical voice when it comes to the immigration issue. He says the safety of the United States should not come as the expense of violating human dignity.

"Their dignity as parents must be taken into account before they are ripped away in full sight from their children, who are now citizens, and hauled away as criminals," Cupich said.

Cupich called the administration's aggressive immigration tactics unnecessary and intolerable. He says those tactics are intended to terrorize.

"Our pastors are telling us attendance at mass, particularly in Latino communities, is down because people are afraid to come out. That is very sad. They are also afraid to grocery stores, get medical help," Cupich said.

The archbishop of Chicago's strong words about the current situation follows Pope Leo urging U.S. Catholic bishops to be more vocal and compassionate in their support of immigrants. Click here for more.

The Trump administration on Friday asked an appeals court for an immediate stay of a Chicago federal judge's ruling this week that blocked the National Guard from deploying in Illinois.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Saturday upheld the judge's ruling, but did partially grant the Trump administration's request for stay by allowing troops to remain federalized pending their appeal of the judge's ruling.

For more information, click here.

ICE activity was reported Friday near schools across Chicago's North Side, officials said.

Ald. Matt Martin of the 47th Ward shared the following statement:
"This morning, ICE agents have been active throughout our ward, as well as in neighboring wards. These agents are wearing green-and-beige camouflage uniforms, are driving white and black SUVs, and have detained multiple people. Many of the locations ICE agents have been spotted at are schools-both public and private. If you're able, please consider supporting safe pick ups at the school closest to you. I know that so many across our ward and city are afraid to venture outside-even for the most mundane activities-worried that they, their loved ones, or their neighbors may be targeted. Let's continue supporting one another."

Lane Tech High School sent the following message to school parents:
"LANETHS-Safety is number one priority; we were notified there may be ICE activity in the area. If students would like to remain in the building to wait for safe ride or bus, they are welcome. Adults will be near the bus stops in case there is a need for support."

Illinois State Police arrested at least three people after a scuffle during a protest near the concrete barricades around the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Friday morning.

ISP troopers could be seen in riot gear, holding the line as some demonstrators shouted expletives at law enforcement.

"It's very scary to be out here. I have a gas mask in my pocket, I have water. This hole here is from a rubber bullet that was shot a couple of weeks ago," said demonstrator Dorian Breuer.

Earlier Friday morning, Christians came together near 25th and Harvard to pray and share communion as the Department of Homeland Security's operation "Midway Blitz" continues.

"I think Jesus would be right here, right here on the front lines, saying, 'No, this must stop. This is wrong,'" said Park Ridge Community Church Rev. Carol Hill.

Faith leaders joined in prayer and worship at the communion table, sharing a message of love amid the immigration crackdown.

"This is exactly where Jesus would be. Jesus would be speaking truth to power and making sure that the people whose voices are being silenced, that their voices are being heard and that when people are being harmed people of faith need to be standing in the way with our bodies and our spirits and songs," said Urban Village Church Rev. Abby Holcombe. Click here for more.