A head of scheduled nationwide immigration raids that did not materialize, the Nashville community held a rally in support of immigrant families and to protest the harsh treatment in border detention centers. Hundreds gathered at the Metro Court House on Friday to attend a vigil for migrants who have died in US detention centers.
“We want to show them that we refuse to stand idly by while our fellow humans are robbed of their dignity and basic human rights,” said event organizers. “We decided we could no longer be silent. When the news reports about what was happening to children in the US detention camps came out, it broke our hearts and it prompted us to act.”
Nashville was part of a nationwide event, Lights for Liberty Vigil to End Human Detention Camp, a group determined to end the” inhumane treatment of migrants—including legal asylum seekers and innocent children—along the U.S. southern border.”
“The Trump administration’s immigration policies and detention camps meet the United Nations’ definition of genocide and crimes against humanity,” said Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin, lawyer, activist and organizer. “Congress is refusing to stop the president and his policies. We cannot allow these atrocities to be perpetrated in our name.”
“Now is the time for every person to stand up and say, ‘We will not accept this!’ No more hesitating. No more denial. No more fear. We need to be bold, and loud, and unrelenting. That’s the only way we can stop this,” said Kristin Mink, activist and organizer.
With over 700 vigils happening worldwide on Friday, Lights for Liberty honored and mourned the loss of over 7 children and 39 adults who lost their lives in ICE and CPD custody within the last couple of years.
