In a powerful show of solidarity, more than a dozen religious leaders from diverse faith traditions marched to the steps of the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday night, flowers in hand, advocating for an end to federal immigration raids.
These raids, they say, have devastated families and fueled racial profiling in the community.
The procession began in Plaza Olvera, where the Rev. Tanya Lopez, senior pastor at Downey Memorial Christian Church, shared a poignant story from the previous week.
She witnessed federal agents detaining a constituent in the church parking lot, despite her desperate attempts to provide assistance.
Lopez expressed her deep concern about the trauma inflicted upon families facing such uncertainty, stating, “All of our faith traditions teach us to love our neighbor, to leave the world with less suffering than when we find it, and this is creating trauma that will be unable to be undone for generations.”
The context of this demonstration is the recent wave of federal immigration enforcement actions across Southern California, as President Donald Trump’s administration follows through on promises of mass deportations.
Initially targeting individuals with violent criminal backgrounds, the administration quickly clarified its stance, asserting that anyone in the country without proper documentation is considered a criminal.
The ensuing raids have occurred across various public and private locations, prompting many immigrants to either go into hiding or even opt for self-deportation.
The coalition of religious leaders emphasized the vital role immigrants play in the Los Angeles community, advocating for their respectful and dignified treatment, regardless of their immigration status.
Dressed in colorful garments representing Jewish, Sikh, Muslim, and Catholic traditions, the leaders marched through the downtown area, uniting in song and prayer in both Spanish and English.
They called for healing and justice, praying for those affected by the raids, including the hundreds who have been detained or deported and the families left behind.
Among the marchers was Talia Guppy, who held purple flowers close to her chest while singing along with the group.
Guppy shared that members of her Episcopalian church, St. Stephen’s Hollywood, had been detained during the raid at the Ambiance Apparel factory in downtown Los Angeles.
Her church has since transitioned to online services to accommodate individuals fearful of leaving their homes.
“We’re out here for them,” Guppy declared passionately.
“We’re going to keep the hope and keep the faith until we get justice for them.”
Upon reaching the Federal Building, the clergy leaders gathered on the steps as Department of Homeland Security officers monitored the entrance.
Inside the building, rows of U.S. Marines were visible, prepared for any potential unrest.
The religious leaders laid flowers at the base of the steps as a tribute to those who have been detained, calling for peace.
Valarie Kaur, a Sikh leader, emphasized the power of their gesture, stating, “We come with flowers, and we will keep coming with flowers as long as our loved ones are held in cages.”
She directed her attention to the officers at the building’s entrance, prompting them to reflect on how they wish to be remembered by history, before placing flowers at their feet.
Protesters in the crowd waved signs adorned with images of the Virgin Mary and Mexican flags.
The clergy urged them to be prepared to defend their neighbors in the face of ongoing immigration enforcement actions.
Father Brendan Busse, a Jesuit priest from the Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights, remarked on the impact these raids have had within his parish.
Many devoted members have stopped attending services, and others are reaching out to inquire about the safety of joining communal worship.
The atmosphere of fear is palpable, he noted, underscoring the urgent need for community solidarity.
“We need to be a safe space for people, not just in our church, but in the whole neighborhood,” he said.
“I can’t guarantee to anybody that we are a totally safe space, but to at least give them a sense that in the difficult moment we’re at, that we stand together.”
image source from:latimes