This week, hundreds of thousands of Catholics – mostly Mexican Americans and other Latinos – will make their yearly pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, but concerns over enhanced immigration enforcement in the Chicago area could have an impact on attendance.

Leaders at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe said the annual pilgrimage is an opportunity for people to gather at a time when they might need some spiritual healing.

Every year, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe commemorates the date when Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared before Saint Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531, leaving an image of herself on his cloak.

This year, the ongoing immigration enforcement operation in Chicago is expected to reduce attendance, but church leader said services will be streamed online.

Speaking with several community groups, organizers said they're also trying to figure out if there is a need for added resources along the pilgrimage route as people walk to the shrine.

Church leaders admitted they cannot control what happens before people arrive as preparations are underway for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a religious pilgrimage that draws massive crowds of faithful Catholics in the freezing cold.

The church estimates 300,000 people passed through last year.

"Every year, the celebration happens – whether its snow or shine, warm or cold, it's open – and we here at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe do everything possible to make it as good experience as we can," said Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

 Sanchez addressed concerns about immigration enforcement at or around the event, saying organizers have "a very special protocol this year."

He recommended that those who don't feel safe should stay at home.

"I have been calling on the community to take some courage and come to the pilgrimage. However, if people don't feel safe, if people don't feel comfortable in coming to make the pilgrimage for whatever reason – be it the weather, age, illnesses, or whatever concerns they might have – it's okay," he said.

A few visitors gathered near the Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe on Monday, ahead of the main event, which is set for Thursday and Friday.

"Here they will pray for a lot of problems and [give] thanks for all the things that he made for us," said Gonadhan Soto, who is visiting from Guatemala. "We need to trust in Jesus."

Meantime, Immigration enforcement continues across the Chicago area, although federal agents' show of force in recent weeks has been less than it was in September and October.

On Saturday, federal agents were seen deploying chemical agents at a crowd that gathered in Elgin. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said agents arrested a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang — Luis Jesus Acosta Gutierrez — after a crash which turned into a standoff at an apartment complex.  

Asked about concerns about immigration enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, "Let's be clear, ICE does not target churches or houses of worship."