Hundreds Fill All Saints Church Amid ICE Anxiety
Nearly 800 people crowded into All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena for an emergency training session on how to respond to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Organizers expected only 100 participants, but the overwhelming turnout revealed deep concern within the community. Attendees packed the sanctuary and overflowed into the surrounding streets. The training focused on how to support neighbors if ICE detains someone, especially following recent incidents, including reports of a U.S. citizen shot by ICE in Minneapolis.
Community Organizers Adjust Plans as Attendance Soars
Grupo Auto Defensa, a grassroots community group, led the session. Originally planned for small-group learning, the format shifted to accommodate the large crowd. Trainers used microphones to demonstrate real-world scenarios from the front of the sanctuary. No filming was allowed to protect identities. The sudden influx of people showed how urgently residents wanted to be prepared and informed.
Practical Training for Emergency Response
Participants learned critical steps for witnessing a detention. They were advised to gather names, phone numbers, and contact information to help families locate detained individuals. Organizers emphasized that these actions are legal and can provide vital support. While some attendees felt overwhelmed by the volume of information, many expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained.
Emotional Reactions Underscore Solidarity
The event stirred deep emotions. Patrick Briggs, a parishioner and church vestry member, said he witnessed several undocumented residents moved to tears by the show of solidarity. For many, the session was more than training—it was reassurance that they were not alone. “Our role is to protect and love our neighbors,” Briggs said, echoing the church’s commitment to social justice.
Next Steps for Community Involvement
Those interested in joining the cause can undergo further validation through Grupo Auto Defensa. This includes visiting the group’s Saturday information tent, participating in ICE monitoring at local sites, and joining secure communication networks. Volunteers may also help deliver food or monitor schools for ICE activity, expanding the reach of these community defense efforts.
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Expecting Dozens, Pasadena Church Sees 800 Pack Sanctuary for Immigration Defense Training
Photo by Jazmin De Guzman on Unsplash
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