Viatorians joined several Arlington Heights neighbors at a village board meeting Monday in advocacy for a new ordinance prohibiting federal immigration agents from using municipal property.
“We spoke at the board meeting to support the village’s passing this ordinance,” Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, said. “The room was packed. All spoke in favor of the ordinance.”
For about two hours, community members gave input to village trustees and the mayor regarding the ordinance. Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, Executive Director of Viator House of Hospitality, and Br. Michael, Director of Programs and Housing for Viator House, took their turns speaking alongside fellow advocates. Many Viatorians live and work in Arlington Heights at Saint Viator High School or the Province Center. The village has recognized our members for going above and beyond for the community and honored the long service of Saint Viator High School.
Br. Michael and Fr. Corey address a gala in 2024 when they received the Village of Arlington Heights Hearts of Gold award.
“Michael and I were among a packed house, standing room only,” Fr. Corey said. “Many spoke also about their commitment to the rule of law and also how they witnessed ICE agents who were not acting within the boundaries of law enforcement.”
Some trustees voiced strong support while others expressed concerns about the enforceability of such a law and how complicated it could become to try to defend it in lawsuits. Ultimately, the village board voted unanimously to draft the ordinance, which will then be considered for approval on December 1.
Fr. Corey felt he was standing on behalf of a former Viator House participant who recently was detained by ICE and remains in detention in Michigan despite being here legally, awaiting his asylum hearing and holding a legal work permit. “He was abducted without warrant and without due process, despite his legal status in actively seeking asylum. He was taken from his work at a gas station a month ago and is still in ICE custody in Michigan,” Fr. Corey said. “I spoke on his behalf and gave support for this ordinance because of my first-hand experience of knowing this man, speaking with him every day, and knowing the lawlessness he escaped in Venezuela but now must face here in the US.”
Viatorians and friends and partners, such as religious sisters, have regularly been holding public witness for immigrants, including this gathering in Arlington Heights on August 1, 2025.
Regardless of how enforcing or defending the ordinance may play out, the principle remains important to many village residents and to Viatorians. “We’re taking a moral stand on the right side of history. It needs to be declared that ICE agents’ tactics are not welcome in Arlington Heights. People tonight stood in opposition to such tactics and in support of the village’s moral stance,” Fr. Corey said.
Br. Michael, Fr. Corey, and many more Viatorians have been active companions and advocates in immigration for many years, and many of our members have been inspired by religious sisters, exemplary leaders who we are honored to have as friends. This includes Sisters of Mercy Sr. Pat Murphy, who passed away in July, and Sr. JoAnn Persch, who passed away last week. Effective community action like this carries their legacy onward. “This is a small victory, and one that made us think of Pat and JoAnn,” Br. Michael said.