Standing Together: Muskegon's Heartbeat for Immigrant Rights

In the heart of Muskegon, a powerful gathering took place. Over a hundred people came together in the cold, snowy weather. They held candles and stood up for their immigrant neighbors. This was no ordinary gathering. It was a candlelight vigil, a show of support and solidarity. The event was organized to stand against the increased actions of U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). People from different faiths and backgrounds came together. They shared a common goal: to promote justice and support for immigrants. One of the organizers, Dr. Susan Fabrick, spoke to the crowd. She drew a parallel between the holy family's flight to Egypt and the current situation of immigrants. She reminded everyone of the importance of treating each other with kindness, even when it's difficult. Among the crowd were Bruce Froelich and Margot Haynes, a husband and wife duo. They held signs that read \"Farmers in Distress\" and \"Felon War Criminal. \" Haynes expressed the importance of supporting neighbors who are being harassed and bullied because of their appearance. Froelich spoke about the moral standing of the U. S. and how actions like the strike in Venezuela affect it.The vigil included a moment of silence at the nativity scene. Afterward, attendees moved inside St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Local leaders from various faiths spoke about the moral and spiritual duty to welcome and support immigrants. They shared personal anecdotes, historical references, and teachings from different religions. Tom Wagner, formerly of Church of the Brethren, read from the Bible. He emphasized the importance of treating immigrants as citizens and loving them as oneself. Rev. Rob Blanchard of Community United Methodist in North Muskegon shared a story about a childhood friend who was deported after a DUI. He highlighted the need for mercy and fairness in the treatment of immigrants. Becca Hawley-Lowry of Lakeshore Rapid Response to ICE spoke about their efforts. They provide defense and mutual aid to those affected by ICE actions. The event also collected donations for local food pantries, showing the community's commitment to supporting each other.