Dozens of faith leaders were arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border in California on Monday after they confronted border patrol agents, demanding the demilitarization of the area and calling on the Trump administration to end its detention and deportation of asylum-seekers.
“How we act in these moments determines who we will become as a nation.” —Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño
More than 400 religious leaders and immigrant rights advocates attended the Human Rights Day protest, with many carrying signs reading “Love Knows No Borders” and “No Cages, No Walls.” At least 32 were arrested, with authorities in riot gear claiming leaders from a number of faiths had entered a “restricted area” as they handcuffed them.
“We believe in freedom, and we know we cannot rest until it comes. So, with that, we are ready,” said Rev. Liz Theoharis, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign just before the leaders were arrested.
“As a Quaker, I believe there is that of the divine in all of us,” said Laura Boyce of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), which organized the action. “This belief calls us to stand with those fleeing violence and poverty, and to call on our government to uphold the human rights of migrants and end the militarization of border communities. In the face of unfounded fear, racism, and violence, courageous action is necessary.”
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