Faith leaders prepared to help undocumented immigrants facing possible deportation
Nonprofits & faith leaders hold a vigil to support undocumented people facing possible deportation under the Trump administration
Nonprofits and faith leaders held a vigil in San Jose to support undocumented immigrants and educate them about their rights. They say they are trained and prepared to do all they can to protect them from deportation.
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Nonprofits and faith groups held a community vigil on Tuesday night to support immigrants facing possible deportation after the Trump administration made changes to immigration policy that allows federal agents to arrest undocumented people in churches, schools and hospitals.
The theme of the vigil was hope and healing.
"We are scared of what's going to happen," a woman named Yanira said in Spanish.
The mother and grandmother came to the United States from El Salvador 21 years ago.
"I feel very unsafe," she said. "I feel fear. Because we need to go to church, our children need to go to school."
Her grandchildren were born here in the United States.
"I don't feel that my sons are going to send their kids to school," said Yanira.
Some people said they plan to attend church remotely.
"I don't feel good. I have a lot of feelings inside because of the community," said Maria Garcia, who is also undocumented.
She and her daughter came to the United States from Mexico about 20 years ago.
Her daughter is now a DACA recipient and attends MIT.
Garcia and others at the vigil said they're here for support and information.
Nonprofits and faith leaders that work with the immigrant community said they've prepared for possible federal raids, including knowing their rights.
"We have the right to remain silent . We have the right to ask if they have a warrant for the arrest," said Father Jon Pedigo of St. Lucy's Catholic Church in Campbell, which has a congregation with many Latino immigrants,"=We see this as something on steroids and see this as a horrific chapter in American life.
Immigrant rights supporters with the Rapid Response Network said they have successfully fought the deportation of people taken by federal agents.
"Power, not panic and that we are stronger together. We have a network that is here to support you," said Maritza Maldonado of Amigos De Guadalupe Center for Justice
& Empowerment.
"We are not criminals. We are here to seek a better life, just like all immigrants in history," said Yanira.
Vigil organizers said the Rapid Response Network is available 24 hours. They're urging people who need help to reach out.
Amber Lee is a reporter with KTVU. Email Amber at Amber.Lee@Fox.com or text/leave message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU