Priest from Chicago Heights, Illinois walks 900 miles to Ellis Island - Gary Graf

Dec.  2025 UPDATE:

NCR Online dot-org [National Catholic Reporter

platform]

The idea of the walk grew from the frustration and

helplessness of seeing families endure sudden deportations

and detentions.

NCR online.org/news/after-900-mile-trek-chicago-priest-

urges-action-and-empathy-deportations

story posted 12/4/2025 online

 After 900-mile trek that

 Fr. Gary Graf

began at Dolton, IL (near Pope Leo XIV's childhood

home,

and traversing mainly rural route/trek 50 days from

October until December (approximate) to

arrive at Ellis Island, NY

Harbor

thedialog.org/national-news/father-gary-grafs-50-day-trek-

on-foot-to-new-york-city-highlights-migrant-families-affected-by-ice-raids/