By Diego M. Ortiz
Wind of the Spirit held a vigil at the Morris County Correctional Facility tonight as part of a statewide day of action in support of just immigration reform.
In attendance were nearly 100 people including representatives from various houses of worship from across the county and state.
Men, women and young people downed mock orange jump suits and wrapped chains around their hands and feet during the procession to symbolize the thousands of immigrants who are currently being detained in local and federal prisons.
The event titled, “Let my people go,” was structured after the Isaiah 58 Solidarity and Fast for Arizona. During the vigil, the faithful demanded a halt to the deployment of “Secure Communities,” a stop to unwarranted immigration raids, an end to the mass detention of immigrants, and an end to the 287(g) program. The event also called attention to the Arizona anti immigrant law in an effort to prevent copycat legislation.
Luz M. Ramirez, a lawful Morris County resident, gave a touching testimony on behalf of her husband, Carlos, who was recently sent to the Elizabeth Detention Center. Mr. Ramirez was arrested at his home by I.C.E. officials after trying to renew his driver’s license two weeks ago.
With tears in her eyes, she explained how her husband has been taken away from their family and most importantly, from their 10-year old American citizen son, because he was trying to get his license in order to better provide for them.
After 25 years of living in this country, Rodriguez received his order of deportation and will be sent to Colombia later this month.
“We must call for an end to the raids in communities that leave people terrorized in fear,” said Rev. Bruce Davidson , Director of the Trenton-based Lutheran Office of Government Ministry.
“We must call for fair immigration policies that reunite families and set fair quotas that match our country’s needs. We must absolutely stop imprisoning people under the title ‘detention.’”
