A group of community organizations, religious groups, and local representatives gathered on Presidents’ Day in front of the ICE offices in Center City to hold a protest and march in support of the immigrant community.
The demonstration is part of a series of mobilizations that have taken place for several consecutive weeks. Attendees are demanding that government entities sign ordinances to prohibit any form of support or collaboration with ICE. Many of those present belong to organizations that provide direct assistance to immigrants, and they attended with a message of peace and solidarity in the midst of the challenges this community is facing.
With signs reading “In a democracy people don’t disappear,” “ICE is killing us,” and “Stop ICE raids,” participants reiterated their call for an end to ICE operations nationwide.
State Senator Art Haywood, who participated in the event, explained the purpose of the gathering:
“This is our vigil every Monday at 11 a.m. We are here as interfaith and community leaders, and we hold vigil for all those who have been detained, brutalized, and subjected to these cruel raids. We also hold vigil for the workers and ICE agents who have been called to carry out an immoral task. We pray for ICE agents to step away from these practices and we pray in solidarity for the immigrants who are being subjected to these brutal raids.”
The senator emphasized that the movement seeks to build broader public support:
“We believe that the more Americans defend humanity and treat people with love—both here at the vigil and when we talk with our neighbors—that love will help us create change in our nation. We believe love is a strategy for change.”
During the event, many participants wore a red band. “This is a red band that has two meanings. One represents the blood that has been shed by those who have been victims of ICE. And the second represents the heart—our love for our neighbors—which is what brings us together at this event.”
Among those present were families and members of different religious congregations.
Janice Schwartz Donohue, a member of the Reform Congregation Tzedek Israel, expressed:
“We are members of the Reform Congregation Tzedek Israel. We are part of an interfaith coalition with many different groups involved. In Judaism, we believe in justice. I am here in the name of the pursuit of justice, no matter which side of the aisle you’re on. What has happened in the United States is that ICE has become too powerful, in my opinion. Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, we want to ensure that our immigrants are safe, whether they came here legally or not. We are here to show how deeply we care.”
Lenore Eiseman added: “I truly believe ICE agents should not be masked, that they should show themselves and have court orders to carry out any procedure—and not simply take anyone from the street without justification.”
Some participants voiced support for encouraging more Americans to join these events, raise their voices, and show solidarity, as this is the power they say they are trying to mobilize through these weekly vigils.
The gathering concluded with prayers and calls to continue the vigils in the coming weeks, reaffirming the commitment of the participating organizations to continue demanding policies that protect the immigrant community.