On Wednesday night, over a dozen religious leaders representing a variety of religions marched to the Federal Building steps in downtown Los Angeles with flowers in hand, demanding a stop to federal immigration raids that they claim have caused racial profiling and torn families apart.
The senior pastor of Downey Memorial Christian Church, the Rev. Tanya Lopez, spoke at the beginning of the walk at Plaza Olvera about how she witnessed plainclothes federal officials rush a constituent in her church’s parking lot last week. She claimed that despite her efforts to help, the man was taken into custody and that she is unsure of his current whereabouts.
According to Lopez, all of our religious traditions teach us to love our neighbors and to leave the planet in a better state than when we found it. This is causing trauma that will be irreversible for centuries to come.
This week, as the Trump administration fulfills its promises to deport large numbers of undocumented immigrants, federal enforcement actions have taken place throughout Southern California. President Trump initially targeted violent crime perpetrators with his remarks. However, his administration made it clear soon after he entered office that anyone in the nation without permission is a criminal.
Many immigrants have gone into hiding and, in some cases, self-deported as a result of the raids, which have taken place in industries, bus stops, Home Depot parking lots, swap meets, and farms.
The religious leaders who marched on Wednesday demanded that the raids stop, arguing that regardless of their immigration status, immigrants are an essential part of the Los Angeles community and should be treated with dignity and respect.
California
Calling for an end to federal immigration raids, religious leaders from several religions marched through downtown Los Angeles alongside local residents.
Wearing vibrant clothing that reflected Jewish, Sikh, Muslim, and Catholic customs, they marched from Plaza Olvera to the Federal Building, spreading their message across the downtown area while joining together in song and prayer in both Spanish and English.
They prayed for justice and healing and cried out to God, the Creator, the Holy One. They offered their prayers for the families left behind as well as the hundreds of people who have been arrested and deported.
Talia Guppy was in the throng, singing along while holding purple flowers to her chest. Guppy claimed to have discovered that during the raid of the Ambiance Apparelfactory in downtown Los Angeles, members of her Episcopalian church, St. Stephen’s Hollywood, had been taken into custody. Since then, her church has shifted its services online to accommodate those who are hesitant to leave their homes.
She said, “We’re out here for them.” Until justice is served for them, we will continue to have faith and hope.
The marchers arrived at the Federal Building’s stairs at the conclusion of the parade. While religious leaders lined the steps, Department of Homeland Security officers poured out of the building and guarded the entry. Inside, rows of U.S. Marines stood poised behind semireflective doors.
In remembrance of those who have been detained, the leaders placed flowers on the steps and urged for peace.
Sikh activist Valarie Kaur stated, “We come with flowers, and we will continue to come with flowers as long as our loved ones are in cages.” She looked at the stoic officers at the doors and asked them how they wished history would remember them. After that, she put flowers at their feet.
Protesters hoisted placards with Mexican flags and images of the Virgin Mary in the crowd. In the days ahead, the priest urged people to be prepared to defend their neighbors.
The raids have affected the Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights, according to Father Brendan Busse, a Jesuit priest who serves there. The pews are no longer occupied by devoted members. Some people contact to inquire about the safety of attending church. One can feel the fear.
According to him, we must provide a safe environment for everyone in the area, not only inside our church. I can’t promise anyone that we are a completely secure place, but I can at least let them know that we are all on the same page during this trying time.
This piece examines the difficulties faced by low-income workers and the initiatives being taken to close California’s economic gap as part of The Times’ equity reporting initiative, which is supported by the James Irvine Foundation.
