Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
Pastor, Activist, Theologian. The Gospel is anti-fascist, and so am I. Building a new world through the sanctuary movement, combating Islamophobia, and reparations.. https://www.michaelcaseywwoolf.com/
Mayor Thompson keeps throwing around the “out of towners” line, but this is a concentration camp that’s 35 minutes away from me. Broadview ICE Processing Center is a Chicagoland and national concern. We are overwhelmingly residents of Chicagoland and pastors/faith leaders did not use their fists.
November 16, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Mayor Thompson keeps throwing around the “out of towners” line, but this is a concentration camp that’s 35 minutes away from me. Broadview ICE Processing Center is a Chicagoland and national concern. We are overwhelmingly residents of Chicagoland and pastors/faith leaders did not use their fists.
lol it’s rich that DHS after their pathetic statement has the guts to call anything ridiculous
Update: DHS got back to me about this.
The spokesperson called questions about the faith leaders' remarks "a ridiculous line of questioning."
She then claimed that "if you watch the video, you can clearly see rioters attacking police" — but did not specify which video she was referring to.
The spokesperson called questions about the faith leaders' remarks "a ridiculous line of questioning."
She then claimed that "if you watch the video, you can clearly see rioters attacking police" — but did not specify which video she was referring to.
November 16, 2025 at 8:21 PM
lol it’s rich that DHS after their pathetic statement has the guts to call anything ridiculous
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
Update: DHS got back to me about this.
The spokesperson called questions about the faith leaders' remarks "a ridiculous line of questioning."
She then claimed that "if you watch the video, you can clearly see rioters attacking police" — but did not specify which video she was referring to.
The spokesperson called questions about the faith leaders' remarks "a ridiculous line of questioning."
She then claimed that "if you watch the video, you can clearly see rioters attacking police" — but did not specify which video she was referring to.
November 16, 2025 at 2:59 AM
Update: DHS got back to me about this.
The spokesperson called questions about the faith leaders' remarks "a ridiculous line of questioning."
She then claimed that "if you watch the video, you can clearly see rioters attacking police" — but did not specify which video she was referring to.
The spokesperson called questions about the faith leaders' remarks "a ridiculous line of questioning."
She then claimed that "if you watch the video, you can clearly see rioters attacking police" — but did not specify which video she was referring to.
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
Side note: We here at @rns.org cover a wide spectrum of religious voices and groups that few other outlets cover with any regularity — including the religious left.
If you like what we’re doing, give us a follow, throw us a donation, share our stuff, etc.
If you like what we’re doing, give us a follow, throw us a donation, share our stuff, etc.
NEW: In his first interview since his arrest for protesting outside the Chicago-area ICE facility, @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social tells me he has "bruises all over my body."
Even so, he said, “the cruelty that goes on that facility … must be 100 times worse." religionnews.com/2025/11/15/a...
Even so, he said, “the cruelty that goes on that facility … must be 100 times worse." religionnews.com/2025/11/15/a...
November 16, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Side note: We here at @rns.org cover a wide spectrum of religious voices and groups that few other outlets cover with any regularity — including the religious left.
If you like what we’re doing, give us a follow, throw us a donation, share our stuff, etc.
If you like what we’re doing, give us a follow, throw us a donation, share our stuff, etc.
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social wrote this for faith leaders this week.
He’s the pastor from the pictures in the national news this week being pinned to the ground in Broadview by @govpritzker.illinois.gov‘s Illinois State Police jackboots.
He’s the pastor from the pictures in the national news this week being pinned to the ground in Broadview by @govpritzker.illinois.gov‘s Illinois State Police jackboots.
Why clergy should risk assault to protest ICE
(RNS) — For people wanting to experience God, we are more likely to meet the Divine trying to shut down the Broadview, Illinois, ICE facility than we ever were in church.
religionnews.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:49 PM
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social wrote this for faith leaders this week.
He’s the pastor from the pictures in the national news this week being pinned to the ground in Broadview by @govpritzker.illinois.gov‘s Illinois State Police jackboots.
He’s the pastor from the pictures in the national news this week being pinned to the ground in Broadview by @govpritzker.illinois.gov‘s Illinois State Police jackboots.
I’ll be preaching in about 10 minutes. Worship has already started.
While I've got your attention, people seem to want to hear me talk about my arrest, and interviews are cool, but you can feel free to come to @lakestreetchurch.bsky.social at 10:30AM Central to hear a HOPE-FILLED sermon about yesterday's events. Livestreamed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1Qi...
Worship Service November 16, 2025, Lake Street Church
YouTube video by Lake Street Church of Evanston
www.youtube.com
November 16, 2025 at 4:39 PM
I’ll be preaching in about 10 minutes. Worship has already started.
If you think that pastors were out there throwing hands at #Broadview, you are gullible. We were peaceful and I’m confident some of the police injured themselves striking protesters with unprofessional and unsafe practices. Watch me push back on @newsnation.bsky.social 👇👇
November 16, 2025 at 3:12 PM
If you think that pastors were out there throwing hands at #Broadview, you are gullible. We were peaceful and I’m confident some of the police injured themselves striking protesters with unprofessional and unsafe practices. Watch me push back on @newsnation.bsky.social 👇👇
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
The roles of religious institutions are changing. @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social will live-stream his 10:30 sermon, hear from a spiritual leader who got thrown to the ground and zip-tied by ICE
While I've got your attention, people seem to want to hear me talk about my arrest, and interviews are cool, but you can feel free to come to @lakestreetchurch.bsky.social at 10:30AM Central to hear a HOPE-FILLED sermon about yesterday's events. Livestreamed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1Qi...
Worship Service November 16, 2025, Lake Street Church
YouTube video by Lake Street Church of Evanston
www.youtube.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The roles of religious institutions are changing. @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social will live-stream his 10:30 sermon, hear from a spiritual leader who got thrown to the ground and zip-tied by ICE
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
Rev. Michael Woolf, a faith leader and minister at Lake Street Church of Evanston, detained by Illinois State Police while protesting immigration policies outside the Broadview facility in Chicago.
Photo by Jim Vondruska/Reuters
Photo by Jim Vondruska/Reuters
November 15, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Rev. Michael Woolf, a faith leader and minister at Lake Street Church of Evanston, detained by Illinois State Police while protesting immigration policies outside the Broadview facility in Chicago.
Photo by Jim Vondruska/Reuters
Photo by Jim Vondruska/Reuters
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
Oof @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social I’m sorry and also thank you for standing up… also I drew you in my news journal
November 15, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Oof @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social I’m sorry and also thank you for standing up… also I drew you in my news journal
While I've got your attention, people seem to want to hear me talk about my arrest, and interviews are cool, but you can feel free to come to @lakestreetchurch.bsky.social at 10:30AM Central to hear a HOPE-FILLED sermon about yesterday's events. Livestreamed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1Qi...
Worship Service November 16, 2025, Lake Street Church
YouTube video by Lake Street Church of Evanston
www.youtube.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:24 PM
While I've got your attention, people seem to want to hear me talk about my arrest, and interviews are cool, but you can feel free to come to @lakestreetchurch.bsky.social at 10:30AM Central to hear a HOPE-FILLED sermon about yesterday's events. Livestreamed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1Qi...
If you ever wondered what you would do in 1930s Germany, you have your answer. This is a spiritual emergency and we have to summon all our courage. We know what happens inside #Broadview is torture. For me it’s simple - I wouldn’t stay silent if they locked Jesus up there, and I won’t be silent now
NEW: In his first interview since his arrest for protesting outside the Chicago-area ICE facility, @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social tells me he has "bruises all over my body."
Even so, he said, “the cruelty that goes on that facility … must be 100 times worse." religionnews.com/2025/11/15/a...
Even so, he said, “the cruelty that goes on that facility … must be 100 times worse." religionnews.com/2025/11/15/a...
November 15, 2025 at 8:01 PM
If you ever wondered what you would do in 1930s Germany, you have your answer. This is a spiritual emergency and we have to summon all our courage. We know what happens inside #Broadview is torture. For me it’s simple - I wouldn’t stay silent if they locked Jesus up there, and I won’t be silent now
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
NEW: In his first interview since his arrest for protesting outside the Chicago-area ICE facility, @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social tells me he has "bruises all over my body."
Even so, he said, “the cruelty that goes on that facility … must be 100 times worse." religionnews.com/2025/11/15/a...
Even so, he said, “the cruelty that goes on that facility … must be 100 times worse." religionnews.com/2025/11/15/a...
November 15, 2025 at 7:52 PM
NEW: In his first interview since his arrest for protesting outside the Chicago-area ICE facility, @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social tells me he has "bruises all over my body."
Even so, he said, “the cruelty that goes on that facility … must be 100 times worse." religionnews.com/2025/11/15/a...
Even so, he said, “the cruelty that goes on that facility … must be 100 times worse." religionnews.com/2025/11/15/a...
@govpritzker.illinois.gov I want you to watch this video of me slammed to the ground- why are you allowing this to happen to people you know are on the right side of history. They tied my hands behind my back and when I asked them to be loosened because I was going numb they said, “STFU.”
at one point, i watched a cook county sheriff’s officer (who appears to be in charge) point out a priest in the crowd.
he and a couple officers then went into the crowd , dragged him into the street, and arrested him.
situation is still tense as crowd jostles with police to get into the street.
he and a couple officers then went into the crowd , dragged him into the street, and arrested him.
situation is still tense as crowd jostles with police to get into the street.
November 15, 2025 at 5:34 PM
@govpritzker.illinois.gov I want you to watch this video of me slammed to the ground- why are you allowing this to happen to people you know are on the right side of history. They tied my hands behind my back and when I asked them to be loosened because I was going numb they said, “STFU.”
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
Note: The pastor being thrown to the ground and arrested here while protesting outside an ICE facility here — who police single out — appears to be Rev. Michael Woolf, a Baptist pastor (he’s ordained by both American Baptist Churches USA and Alliance of Baptists).
at one point, i watched a cook county sheriff’s officer (who appears to be in charge) point out a priest in the crowd.
he and a couple officers then went into the crowd , dragged him into the street, and arrested him.
situation is still tense as crowd jostles with police to get into the street.
he and a couple officers then went into the crowd , dragged him into the street, and arrested him.
situation is still tense as crowd jostles with police to get into the street.
November 14, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Note: The pastor being thrown to the ground and arrested here while protesting outside an ICE facility here — who police single out — appears to be Rev. Michael Woolf, a Baptist pastor (he’s ordained by both American Baptist Churches USA and Alliance of Baptists).
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
@govpritzker.illinois.gov continues to lie and say that Illinois State police are there to protect protesters. Clearly they are not.
Governor, we will not forget. You have the power to call them off.
Governor, we will not forget. You have the power to call them off.
I wanted to share probably the most important sermon I’ve given and it’s while I’m being arrested. It’s torture pure and simple what happens at #Broadview. I’m ok, though I was thrown to the ground and choked with my pectoral cross. A review of the video shows I was peaceful - did I deserve this?
November 15, 2025 at 5:09 PM
@govpritzker.illinois.gov continues to lie and say that Illinois State police are there to protect protesters. Clearly they are not.
Governor, we will not forget. You have the power to call them off.
Governor, we will not forget. You have the power to call them off.
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
America
I wanted to share probably the most important sermon I’ve given and it’s while I’m being arrested. It’s torture pure and simple what happens at #Broadview. I’m ok, though I was thrown to the ground and choked with my pectoral cross. A review of the video shows I was peaceful - did I deserve this?
November 15, 2025 at 3:38 PM
America
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
Michael Woolf at Broadview.
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
at one point, i watched a cook county sheriff’s officer (who appears to be in charge) point out a priest in the crowd.
he and a couple officers then went into the crowd , dragged him into the street, and arrested him.
situation is still tense as crowd jostles with police to get into the street.
he and a couple officers then went into the crowd , dragged him into the street, and arrested him.
situation is still tense as crowd jostles with police to get into the street.
November 15, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Michael Woolf at Broadview.
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
Rev Dr. Michael Woolf
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Rev Dr. Michael Woolf
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
I wanted to share probably the most important sermon I’ve given and it’s while I’m being arrested. It’s torture pure and simple what happens at #Broadview. I’m ok, though I was thrown to the ground and choked with my pectoral cross. A review of the video shows I was peaceful - did I deserve this?
November 15, 2025 at 5:57 AM
I wanted to share probably the most important sermon I’ve given and it’s while I’m being arrested. It’s torture pure and simple what happens at #Broadview. I’m ok, though I was thrown to the ground and choked with my pectoral cross. A review of the video shows I was peaceful - did I deserve this?
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
Officers caught on camera slamming to the ground @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social (American Baptist/Alliance of Baptists pastor) during vigil outside ICE facility. I reported last week about Michael & how Illinois State Police shot him with a pepper ball: publicwitness.wordandway.org/p/baptist-pa...
at one point, i watched a cook county sheriff’s officer (who appears to be in charge) point out a priest in the crowd.
he and a couple officers then went into the crowd , dragged him into the street, and arrested him.
situation is still tense as crowd jostles with police to get into the street.
he and a couple officers then went into the crowd , dragged him into the street, and arrested him.
situation is still tense as crowd jostles with police to get into the street.
November 14, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Officers caught on camera slamming to the ground @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social (American Baptist/Alliance of Baptists pastor) during vigil outside ICE facility. I reported last week about Michael & how Illinois State Police shot him with a pepper ball: publicwitness.wordandway.org/p/baptist-pa...
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
"For people wanting to experience God, we are more likely to meet the Divine trying to shut down the Broadview facility than we ever were in church. I say that as someone who leads a church for a living." -Rev. Michael Woolf
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
Oh wow @reuters.com got the photo here:
November 15, 2025 at 12:33 AM
"For people wanting to experience God, we are more likely to meet the Divine trying to shut down the Broadview facility than we ever were in church. I say that as someone who leads a church for a living." -Rev. Michael Woolf
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
@revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
Highly symbolic that a Northern Baptist minister is being arrested by his own State Police as deeply Southern Baptist Texas sends their troops into Chicago
Oh wow @reuters.com got the photo here:
November 14, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Highly symbolic that a Northern Baptist minister is being arrested by his own State Police as deeply Southern Baptist Texas sends their troops into Chicago
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
"If you think they treat me badly when the whole world is watching, it pales in comparison to what happens inside that facility...It’s why I refuse to be silent, & I will continue showing up to the Broadview facility til it's closed." @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
religionnews.com/2025/11/13/w...
religionnews.com/2025/11/13/w...
Why clergy should risk assault to protest ICE
(RNS) — For people wanting to experience God, we are more likely to meet the Divine trying to shut down the Broadview, Illinois, ICE facility than we ever were in church.
religionnews.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:36 PM
"If you think they treat me badly when the whole world is watching, it pales in comparison to what happens inside that facility...It’s why I refuse to be silent, & I will continue showing up to the Broadview facility til it's closed." @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social
religionnews.com/2025/11/13/w...
religionnews.com/2025/11/13/w...
Reposted by Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf
Incredible shot of an incredible Baptist pastor, @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social. I reported last week about him getting shot with pepper ball by Illinois State Police outside ICE facility: publicwitness.wordandway.org/p/baptist-pa...
Today they violently arrested him during vigil. What a photo.
Today they violently arrested him during vigil. What a photo.
November 14, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Incredible shot of an incredible Baptist pastor, @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social. I reported last week about him getting shot with pepper ball by Illinois State Police outside ICE facility: publicwitness.wordandway.org/p/baptist-pa...
Today they violently arrested him during vigil. What a photo.
Today they violently arrested him during vigil. What a photo.