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Immigrant Defense Vigil

Thursday, March 5, 2020
4-5pm
Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building, 1240 E. 9th St. (at Lakeside), downtown Cleveland

[First Thursday vigils: Jan. 9, Feb. 6, Mar. 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 in NE Ohio have been organizing interfaith vigils in defense of immigrants since September 2018. At these vigils we pray, sing, hold silence, and call on those in power to act in accordance with values of justice and compassion. 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.

We pray for
...the families who have endured immense pain and suffering at the hands of our government
...comfort and hope for those languishing in detention
...a change of heart in our leaders so that they might change their ways

We stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers locked in cages. We demand their release!

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.

All people of faith and conscience are welcome. Your presence is most appreciated.

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.

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