[First Thursday vigils: Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5]
Why we gather
To show the love, concern, and compassion that the people of Ohio have for immigrants who are suffering under the harsh policies of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
About the vigils
People of faith and conscience have been gathering on Thursday afternoons outside the ICE office in Brooklyn Heights since September 2018. Why? To pray, sing, hold silence, and exhort those in power to change their ways, and instead, work from a place of justice and compassion. We name the reality of families being separated by immigration practices. We gather to raise visibility to the intense difficulty faced by thousands of families, not only on the US-Mexico border but in Ohio as well. We pray that God’s intervention, power, grace, and comfort enter into these situations of suffering and despair.
Our banner, “This Is About Family,” draws attention to the pain and suffering experienced by immigrant families. Near record levels of apprehensions, detentions, and deportations are tearing families apart.
Our demands
As people of faith and conscience, we are calling on the US government to:
1- give permanent legal status to immigrants with DACA and TPS
2- end family separation
3- decrease the number of detention beds
4- cut the budgets for ICE and USCBP (US Customs & Border Protection)
5- resume discretion in immigration enforcement and prosecution
*DACA=Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (aka “Dreamers”)
*TPS = Temporary Protected Status
Unreasonable, Unjust, Cruel Enforcement – and a waste of our tax dollars
Parents are getting picked up by ICE and Border Patrol while driving to work or dropping off their kids at school. This is absolutely cruel!! The US government should only pursue those who have been convicted of serious violent crimes. Other immigrants should be allowed to continue living, working, and raising their children until broader immigration reforms are put in place.
For those who are suffering from harsh immigration enforcement policies, we gather to bear witness to the inhumane treatment that is being funded by US taxpayer dollars. We hold them in the light of hope and pray for compassion. Please join us!
Questions?
Check with irtf@irtfcleveland.org
(216) 961 0003 IRTF office
P.S. These Thursday gatherings are vigils, not rallies. So please don’t bring your own signs. We will gather around the common banner, “This is about family.” Thank you.
Please like and share the Facebook event.
