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A prayer vigil for the immigrant community is set for Tuesday in Alexandria.
As the immigrant community continues to face abductions by masked federal agents, Alexandria faith leaders are coming together in prayer to stand in solidarity with their neighbors.
The vigil comes after ICE activity in Alexandria, including arrests of construction workers during the first day of school, detention of a community member at a bus stop and continued ICE presence in the Chirilagua neighborhood.
Organizers are calling on people of all faiths to join them in prayer and action. The gathering is organized by Tenants and Workers United, Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE), and Community Lodgings. Attendees are encouraged to wear white and blue.
The prayer vigil location is at Four Mile Run Park Plaza, 4121 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m.
Reverend Deborah Porras, Pastor of Beverley Hills Community UMC, VOICE Clergy Leader & Alexandria Co-Chair, said:
“All of our faith traditions call us to love and stand with our neighbors. In Christian Scripture, the question is asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’ (Luke 10:29). In Alexandria today, that must include our immigrant neighbors, who face particular threats and injustices. This vigil is our chance to stand together across faiths and demonstrate the power of love, community, and relationships.”
Ingris Moran, Lead Organizer with Tenants and Workers United, said:
"In this moment when our immigrant community is facing anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies by a hostile administration, we’re coming together to express our unwavering support for our immigrant neighbors. Faith leaders, elected officials, and community organizations have a role to play in protecting and advocating for immigrant families in Alexandria. We hope more will join us.”
