An estimated 1,000 people, including clergy and Mayor Karen Bass, gathered on June 10 in Grand Park for a peaceful vigil protesting recent ICE raids across Los Angeles. Organized by L.A. Voice, PICO California, and several religious organizations, the interfaith event included speeches, prayers, and a procession to the federal building before the 8 p.m. curfew. Father Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries opened with a call for compassion, and participants carried candles and banners, symbolizing unity. The gathering aimed to support immigrant communities and uphold Los Angeles’ status as a sanctuary city amid increasing federal enforcement.
Clergy Call for Compassion, Denounce Federal Raids
Los Angeles Bishop John Harvey Taylor closed the vigil with a prayer, calling the city a symbol of American diversity and unity. “Los Angeles is America the beautiful,” Taylor said. Clergy leaders, including Archbishop José Gomez and Rabbi Susan Goldberg, emphasized peaceful resistance and condemned the federal government’s use of ICE raids to target immigrant workers. Taylor and others urged nonviolence, expressing respect for federal troops while criticizing the policies that brought them to L.A.
Mayor and Community Leaders Demand End to Raids
Mayor Bass denounced the fear created by federal actions, declaring, “We cannot accept the uncertainty created by Washington’s leadership.” Speakers called for the protection of undocumented residents and demanded that local law enforcement cut ties with ICE. Angelica Salas of CHIRLA praised rapid response networks and urged greater civic support for immigrant communities. Organizers from Sacred Resistance, the diocesan immigration justice ministry, announced ongoing support for detained individuals and called for donations to secure legal aid.
Personal Stories Reveal Emotional Toll of Raids
Yurien Contreras shared her family’s trauma after ICE detained her father, Mario Romero, during the June 6 workplace raids. “They kidnapped dozens of workers,” she said. Stories like hers highlighted the physical and emotional harm inflicted on families, intensifying demands for the release of all detainees and comprehensive immigration reform. Sacred Resistance reported that 14 church members were among the detained, now held in various Southern California detention centers.
Faith Leaders Emphasize Unity and Nonviolence
Leaders from diverse religious backgrounds offered prayers rooted in compassion and justice. Sikh, Muslim, Christian, and Jewish representatives invoked sacred teachings to condemn the raids. Valarie Kaur urged attendees to act as “sage warriors,” while Rabbi Sharon Brous compared the current crisis to ancient struggles for liberation. The vigil ended with a renewed commitment to advocacy, love, and resistance.
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LA vigil rallies faith community in peaceful protest of ICE raids, federal policy
Image: Pamela Reynoso
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