Suburban Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe outlines safety plans amid immigration enforcement concerns

DES PLAINES, Ill. (WLS) -- Every year, tens of thousands of people make the pilgrimage to Des Plaines for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Thursday marks the start of the annual celebration that spans 24 hours. This year, organizers say they're rolling out extra safety plans because people are worried about immigration enforcement.

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Church leaders at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe said this year's event will go on as scheduled.

The annual celebration brings hundreds of thousands of Catholics to Des Plaines every year, from near and far.

It also comes as concerns continue surrounding immigration enforcement across the Chicago area.

Organizers said local police will be present, and federal agents will not be allowed on church grounds without warrants.

Sunday, people brought flowers and candles to the Shrine of Our lady of Guadalupe.

Over the weekend, horses and their riders were in attendance. They rode to the shrine as a sign of devotion and respect.

Monday, Father Esequiel Sanchez acknowledged the fears being felt by immigrant communities.

"We have always had issues concerning immigrations from pilgrims from everywhere," Father Sanchez said. "It is not a new thing. We have had decades waiting from our government and our communities to come with a viable solution to help people regularize and heal their relationship with our brothers and sisters in the country."

Church leaders understand the heightened concerns.

"We don't control ICE. In terms of protocol, we don't want to tell everybody our security plan, but we do tell people if you don't feel safe about coming, as I mentioned it's OK," Sanchez said.

Father Sanchez says he is focused on keeping pilgrims safe on the church property.

"No one asks where you're from. We only ask how you're doing," he said.

Thursday starts with the prayer of the holy rosary at noon, followed by opening Mass at 8 p.m.

Father Sanchez says those who don't feel comfortable attending, due to the cold temperatures or immigration enforcement activity, are encouraged to stay at home.

For those who can't attend the Masses in person, they will be livestreamed.

Church officials are expecting attendance to be down this year.

But, some pilgrims are coming to the shrine a little early.

Gabriela Mendoza was there Monday with 16-day-old Lucas, offering thanks for answering her prayers.

"Thank her for my baby, and my family and for me," Mendoza said.

Many visitors bring flowers or other offerings.

"We believe in Guadalupe. We are faithful with Guadalupe. She's always guiding us and helping us. The whole family is faithful to the Virgin of Guadalupe," Edwin Carrero said.

While the pilgrimages are generally considered a Catholic tradition, this year other religious leaders are planning to participate.

Sean Hansen plans to accompany a group of Episcopalians to the shrine.

"These are very uncertain times. A lot of people who are scared because they are impacted by immigration policies or people they know and love may be affected by immigration policies," Hansen said.

Des Plaines police say they're expecting this year to be similar to other previous years.