Over a dozen religious leaders from various faiths convened at the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on wednesday night, bearing flowers and advocating for an end to federal immigration raids. They argue that thes raids have caused family separations and are based on racial profiling.

At the procession’s commencement in Plaza Olvera, the Rev. Tanya Lopez, senior pastor at Downey Memorial Christian Church, recounted witnessing plainclothes federal agents apprehending a member of her congregation in the church parking lot the previous week. Despite her attempts to intervene, the individual was detained, and their whereabouts remain unknown to her.

“All of our faith traditions teach us to love our neighbor,to leave the world with less suffering than when we find it,and this is creating trauma that will be unable to be undone for generations,” said Lopez.

Federal enforcement actions have been prevalent across Southern California this week, as the government proceeds with mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Initially, the focus was on individuals who had committed violent crimes. However, it has since been clarified that anyone in the country without authorization is considered a criminal.

The raids-occurring at bus stops, Home Depot parking lots, swap meets, farms, and factories-have led many immigrants to seek refuge, and in some instances, to self-deport.

The religious leaders participating in the march on Wednesday demanded an immediate cessation of the raids, emphasizing that immigrants are essential to the Los Angeles community and should be treated with respect and dignity, nonetheless of their documentation status. The event was organized by L.A. Voice and PICO California, representing People Improving Communities through Organizing, the largest faith-based community organizing network in California.

they carried their

Clergy Advocate for safe Spaces Amidst Immigration Concerns

“We need to be a safe space for people,not just in our church,but in the whole neighborhood.”

Sikh leader Valarie Kaur leaves a flower at the feet of federal officers standing guard at the Federal Building in downtown Los angeles.

(Genaro Molina / los angeles Times)

Protesters in the crowd displayed images of the Virgin Mary and Mexican flags. The clergy urged them to be prepared to support their neighbors in the days ahead.

Father Brendan Busse,a Jesuit priest at the Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights,shared that the raids have directly impacted his church. Some devoted members are no longer attending services,while others inquire about the safety of coming to church. The prevailing sentiment is fear.

“We need to be a safe space for people, not just in our church, but in the whole neighborhood,” he said. “I can’t guarantee to anybody that we are a totally safe space, but to at least give them a sense that in the difficult moment we’re at, that we stand together.”