Protest of Planned Federal Immigration Roundups Draws Hundreds to Redwood City

Saying their vigil was a chance to give voice to the immense suffering and loss of people affected by policies that tear apart vulnerable families, a coalition of faith based and social justice groups put together a rally that drew hundreds to Redwood City. The focus of the vigil was the separation of families and extreme mistreatment of children and adults in the detention centers.

Participants in activist group San Francisco Peninsula People Power, part of ACLU's grassroots army, printed resource information for immigrants in Spanish which members of the artistic collective Fools Mission distributed at the rally. Grupo Danza Colibrí and the Raging Grannies started off the event with music; they were followed by speakers who gave their audience much to think about and act on.

Adressing the crowd, Rev. Jorge Bautista, an eyewitness to the horrors on the border, said that prisoners in detention centers are subjected to torture, humiliation and even death. Member of the latinx volunteer community Charo Martinez spoke about the psychological harm to immigrants and their families.

Audience members said they were deeply disturbed by reports of terrible conditions at the border where children are held separated from their parents in detention camps overcrowded and lacking proper food and hygiene. Rally members at the candlelight vigil held in front of the main Redwood City Public Library were moved to donate money to Raices (raicestexas.org) for help at the border and Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (clsepa.org) to help local immigrants.

Most importantly, organizers and participants alike said they felt focused and primed for even bigger protest following the rally. Many said that the calls for more assertive action on the San Francisco Peninsula will not go unheeded.