Hundreds gather for annual Good Friday tradition Via Crucis in Pilsen as deportation fears loom

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Hundreds of people gathered in Pilsen on this Good Friday to reflect on Jesus' final hours.

The community's Via Crucis is a sacred tradition, but immigration fears are casting a shadow for some on this holy day.

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One moving station at a time, the Pilsen community united to recount the passion of Jesus Christ before Easter Sunday.

"This is when we need God the most, you know? Hopefully we bring them closer," participant Carlos Ortega said.

This is the 48th year of Pilsen Via Crucis, or "Way of the Cross."

The dramatic depiction of Christ's final hours before his death takes the community through pivotal points in the story, from the Last Supper with Jesus' disciples to his crucifixion and burial in the stone tomb.

"It's a reminder of all of the stuff that Jesus did for us and how it brings all of us together," Lunna Avila-De Marchi said.

But this year, there was a different sort of energy looming over the powerful procession.

"We completely understand why you're not present here today," organizer Nellie Quintana said. "We are doing this for you. We are praying for you, and we stand with you."

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With deportation threats from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Trump Administration simmering in the community of those living in the U.S. without legal permission, organizers said some chose not to attend.

Data from ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection show just over 47,000 people are in ICE detention since President Donald Trump took office.

"The streets are emptier," Quintana said. "The businesses are suffering. The customers are not purchasing as they were before."

Quintana said others, including some who are living in the U.S. without legal permission, participating was a powerful testament to faith over fear

"They have no fear because God lives in their heart. And they know they are doing this to portray that message," she said.

That organizer also said special prayers were read to recognize the very real fears some in the immigrant community are facing right now.

"Right now, in these times, people need to feel closer to God. So, the way that I feel it can help is bringing my whole family," participant Eritany Ortega said.

She's been a part of the Via Crucis reenactment since she was 10 years old. Now as mom, she brought along her 3-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son.

"Everything that he had to endure back in the day, you know, even saying his own people didn't accept him, and he had to go look for a refuge somewhere else, in other cities. So, it's just like, you know, like here," Ortega said.

"We really have to come out and show, you know, that we're united," Sandra Guzman said.

The event ended at St. Pius V church.

"Our faith is so important to us, especially in our culture, and I think that that overpowers any maybe fear," Brenda Villagomez said. "They rather show up here and demonstrate their faith. And, you know, this is kind of sends a message of unity."