Clergy Call for President to Halt Raids and Protect Children
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 15, 2007
PRESS CONTACTS
Rev. Lange-Soto, Peninsula Interfaith Action: 650-245-7759
Fr. Jon Pedigo, People Acting in Community Together: 408-757-6344
Rev. Ramiro Flores, Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization: 510-234-5886
Led by clergy from cities that have been targeted by controversial mass immigration raids, religious leaders from across the country are traveling to Washington, DC, to demand that the raids halt and that Congress hold hearings to investigate I.C.E. behavior. The clergy will deliver a statement, signed by more than 350 clergy from 37 states, to the White House, the Department of Homeland Security, and key Congressional leaders.
“We object to federal government action that has broken up families, left children abandoned, and traumatized whole communities. Our congregations are committed to protecting those in need, but we should not need to shelter young children asking, ‘Where is my mother? Where is my father?’” reads the statement released by six faith-based organizations affiliated with the PICO National Network.
“No matter how we feel about immigration reform, leaving children abandoned and violating a person’s constitutional rights are wrong, and the impact of these raids needs to be investigated by Congress,” said Rev. Anna B. Lange-Soto of El Buen Pastor Episcopal Church, Redwood City, California, and a leader in Peninsula Interfaith Action. Clergy leaders are available to comment on the statement and share testimony regarding children and families who have been impacted by the I.C.E. raids.
Religious congregations in communities targeted by recent I.C.E. operations launched the Stop the Raids campaign to raise national awareness about the impact on families. Leaders vow to continue to hold public events and meet with Administration officials and members of Congress until the Department of Homeland Security stops the mass raids.
United Interfaith Action in New Bedford, Massachusetts; Congregations Building Community in Greeley, Colorado; and Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization, People Acting in Community Together, Peninsula Interfaith Action, and Oakland Community Organizations, all in the Bay Area, circulated the letter among clergy nationwide.
Faith leaders will also be participating in the Children’s Hearing on the Social Impact of Raids on Families and Communities, which is being organized in coordination with the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM) and community organizations across the country. The hearing will include testimony from clergy and families about the impact of the raids and will take place on Thursday, May 17, at 10:00 am in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, room 2255.
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