Central Islip, NY — Dozens of faith leaders and community members gathered last on Sunday, January 11 in windy, cold conditions for a prayerful public witness calling for accountability and an end to reported abuses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Long Island Interfaith Prayer Walk took place at Federal Plaza, drawing clergy and people of faith from across the region to reflect, pray, and stand in solidarity with immigrants and their families.
The event was organized by the Long Island Immigrant Justice Alliance and Long Island Jobs with Justice, and sought to shine a spotlight on what organizers describe as escalating human and civil rights violations related to immigration enforcement. It follows broader concerns raised by recent national and local developments, including the death of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agents in Minneapolis, the death of detainees in ICE custody and reports of poor conditions at detention facilities.
"ICE is a lawless militia. One that is government sanctioned--for now. But we have all inherited a path forward from our faith traditions. We all have narratives of resisting oppression, evil, and tyranny. Our ancestors knew what to do and we will stand on their shoulders. With the wisdom and grace of our faith traditions and with God's help, we will not only resist and fight against this murderous tyranny, we will also lead with love and determination and challenge all of our neighbors and our fellow citizens to turn toward the light," said Canon Marie Tatro, Canon for Community Justice Ministry for the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.
Tatro was one of the several participants representing the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, sharing prayers and fellowship with members of other faith traditions.The gathering reflected growing grassroots concern over ICE practices and a collective call for compassion, justice, and dignity for all people.
Group Pic ID (l to r): Sandra Townsend; Fr. Edwin Beckham, ; Fr. Juan Pastor Reyes, Canon Marie Tatro, Deacon Bob White, Mo. Lilo Carr Rivera. (Mo. Catherine Wieczorek and several other parishioners not pictured.)