Chicago faithful, Pilsen community unite for ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ march and rally

Faith leaders, community members and nonprofit organizations gathered for a march and rally aimed at defending immigrant and mixed-status families against Immigration and Customs Enforcement while calling on Chicagoans to “love thy neighbor.”

Parishioners at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in the Pilsen neighborhood said they’re taking a stand to protect and support immigrant families.

“I’ve been in this neighborhood for 68 of my 85 years, and I love this neighborhood, I love this country,” said Mary Gonzales, St. Paul’s Catholic Church head of social justice. “I don’t necessarily like the way so many of our people are treated.”

Gonzales is a member of the congregation at St. Paul’s. She and others told NBC Chicago their neighbors live in fear over being targeted by ICE.

“It’s sad to see what’s happening to our brothers and sisters,” said Rita Aguilar, who lives in Pilsen. “We have parishioners who have not returned to church because they are afraid to come, just thinking ICE can get me.”

“I’ve been a priest for 41 years, and I just can’t believe politicians haven’t figured a way to solve this problem,” said Rev. Michael Enright, St. Paul’s Catholic Church pastor.

Parishioners mobilized Saturday morning leading by faith, love and unity – and drawing on scripture to get their message across.

“The scripture says, ‘Love thy neighbor’ it does not say hate your neighbor, it says, ‘Love thy neighbor,” Gonzales said.

The march ended with a rally at Harrison Park, where members of St. Paul joined others to continue their fight and to advocate for immigrant families.

“It’s sad to see that we have to get together in order to put an end to what’s going on right now,” said Noemi Camacho, who attended the rally.

Camacho, who came out with her mom, described the event as a call to action.

“I’m born here, I feel like I’m coming from a place of privilege, you know,” she said. “So I have to show up for the people who can’t.”

As they pray for change, one woman said she hopes for more compassion in the world.

“Everyone taking care of each other no matter which country we are from, no matter our differences—we are all humans,” said Angelica Martinez, who attended the rally.