St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington hosted its annual kermes celebration on Sunday with a smaller turnout than usual.
The festivities included the sale of traditional street food like steak and al pastor tacos. Proceeds from the event are used to honor the birth of the Virgin of Guadalupe on Dec. 12.
Organizer Criselda Gomez said unfortunately this year’s attendance was lower because of fear of ICE raids.
"The turnout has been less this year. I did have a couple of community members drop out selling food, and their reason being everything that's been going on with immigration in Chicago, which has been disheartening but I completely understand," Gomez said.
Sgt. Kiel Nowers from the Bloomington Police Community Engagement Unit and state Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, attended the event.
Gomez said the Hispanic community at St. Mary's welcomes BPD's presence. She said Nowers has attended countless times.
"He's always been friendly with our community. He's always been open, welcoming. They love having him here. The kids love having him here. The parents always bring the kids to see him here," Gomez said.
Nowers said the Community Engagement Unit has attended the kermes for four consecutive years. He said they also partner with the church for homeless outreach.
When asked if recent immigration raids are hurting the Hispanic community’s confidence in the police, Nowers said based on the feedback he’s received—yes.
And while they can't control what the federal government does, they can inform the community how local law enforcement and federal agencies work together, said Nowers.
"Letting them know the boundaries of where we will and we will not cooperate with ICE and the federal government," Nowers said, while stressing that community members can feel safe reporting crimes. "So they know that they deserve the same protections and the same services that everyone else does."
St. Mary’s kermes is a staple celebration and takes months of planning, said Gomez. This year’s event featured a traditional Chichimeca dance performed by parish members in remembrance of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Gomez reiterated the importance the event holds for the entire parish and said her commitment to her community is steadfast despite the political challenges.
"We just thank the community for coming. What we do is for the community. What I do is for the community," she said, adding that her work doesn't end when she exits the church doors. "My work as a servant of God continues outside of church."
