Immigration Vigil

IJPC, along with other organizations and individuals, planned an Immigration Vigil today (2/10) to stand in solidarity with the immigrant community. For pictures, video, and details about how the vigil went, the Cincinnati Enquirer did a follow up article.  Thanks to the 40 participants who came and joined us in the bitter cold!

 

In January, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted immigration raids in North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. The 121 people they picked up for deportation are women and children who came to the U.S. fleeing violence in Central America. Pro bono lawyers were able to stop 33 deportations because of due process concerns. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said that these ICE deportation actions will continue, targeting those who entered the U.S. since January 1, 2014.

 

Our local immigrant families live in fear that raids will happen here, particularly because of ICE presence in Price Hill last week. We stand in solidarity with them.

 

Cities across the nation including Chicago, Minneapolis, and Raleigh have held public protest and vigils in opposition to these enforcement tactics asking DHS to stop separating families. Local community members and organizations, including Church of Our Saviour, Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center, Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, LULAC of Greater Cincinnati, Nuns on the Bus, Cincinnati have come together to plan an Immigration Vigil held February 10th, 12:00-1:00pm. On this Ash Wednesday, a Christian day of repentance and personal and societal change, we call on the Obama administration, ICE, and DHS, to stop deportations and keep immigrant families together!

 

 

What can you do?

1. Call the White House at 866.961.4293 and urge President Obama to immediately STOP plans to deport Central American children and families.
2. Pray with us for a spirit of welcome toward the immigrants in our midst and for just immigration reform.