Protesters gather outside ICE office in Philadelphia as Catholic groups initiate ‘One Church, One Family’ campaign to support immigrants.
In a notable demonstration of solidarity, dozens of Catholics from the Philadelphia area gathered outside the ICE office in Center City on Wednesday, aligning themselves with a nationwide effort to advocate for the rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The rally, marked by song, prayer, and scripture, was part of a broader movement involving Catholic organizations across the country.
Participants, including priests, nuns, and lay supporters, offered prayers and hymns outside the field office located near Eighth and Cherry Streets. This gathering was a manifestation of the ongoing campaign titled “One Church, One Family: Catholic Public Witness for Immigrants.” This initiative encourages parishes, schools, and faith-based organizations to conduct public events that affirm the inherent dignity of every individual.
Michelle Cimaroli, a representative of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, addressed the assembled crowd of approximately 50 people, denouncing a culture of fear that undermines human dignity. She emphasized that as Catholics, it is imperative to stand in solidarity with immigrants. Speakers at the event urged participants to recognize the divine in every individual and to boldly share their truths, reinforcing the event’s spiritual underpinnings.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acknowledged the right of individuals to partake in peaceful protests, highlighting their commitment to respecting demonstrators’ rights. However, the day also saw reports of ICE making arrests in Philadelphia, including an incident involving a man at the bustling Italian Market, a point that underscored the urgency of the rally’s message.
Looking ahead, another day of prayer is scheduled for November 13, coinciding with the feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who became the first U.S. citizen canonized as a saint. Advocates, like Peter Pedemonti of the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, expressed a desire for attendees to take this moment of reflection to empathize with those affected by immigration policies.
Recent data indicates a sharp increase in the number of arrests made by ICE over the past months, particularly in the Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania regions, which have seen arrests double since the introduction of a controversial directive reportedly aiming for a quota of 3,000 arrests per day. Following President Trump’s policies, arrests had risen from an average of 26 per day to 51 between late May and late June, with a striking increase in arrests of individuals without prior criminal records.
Amidst the upheaval, local organizers and church leaders are vocalizing their commitment to advocate for those impacted by immigration policies. The ongoing efforts have garnered support from various Catholic organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Migration and Refugee Services and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Collectively, these groups are taking a stand against what they characterize as inhumane immigration policies, reaffirming their mission to uphold the dignity of every individual.
This grassroots campaign reflects a significant movement within the Catholic community eager to address the pressing issues surrounding immigration and to foster a culture that values compassion and human dignity in the face of adversity.
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