On Friday, February 13th, a group gathered on the steps of the Federal Courthouse for the monthly "You Are Not Alone" Community Witness for Immigrants, Migrants, and Refugees. Benedictines for Peace and NETWORK's Erie Chapter organized this peaceful vigil to create space for prayer and acknowledgment of local and national migratory injustices.
Benedictine Sister Anne McCarthy shared a few words at the vigil, stating,
"In the face of illegal enhanced ICE enforcement, we come together as people of faith to say: you are not alone. We see you. This is illegal. These enhanced enforcement measures violate international law. You, the vulnerable ones in our community are our sisters and brothers, we are connected. What happens to you, happens to all of us. We will resist these actions as strongly as we can."
Sister Anne went on to invite employees of ICE and Border Patrol to leave their positions, noting that they are not the enemy. “The policies we fight, the hatred, the oppression, that is the enemy. We will also invite you to leave your position with ICE and Border Patrol, to join us in protesting. You have a place in our community.”
She concluded her remarks with, "And we say to our congressional representatives–it is your work to fix this madness. Do not allow it. You are the ones who could stop this most easily. Do your job."
The vigil also included remarks from a member of the local immigrant community, prayer, song, and reading of statements from United States Bishops.
This is a recurring vigil that takes place on the second Friday of each month. Join outside of the Federal Courthouse on Friday, March 13th from 12:15-12:45 PM.
Click here for further reading and coverage from Erie News Now on this vigil.
