Religious Leaders Stand in Solidarity with Immigrants in San Diego
SAN DIEGO (AP) — On June 20, approximately a dozen religious leaders from San Diego gathered at federal immigration court to witness the hearings related to cases stemming from the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The group, led by Rev. Scott Santarosa of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, aimed to provide support and visibility for vulnerable migrants during these proceedings, which have seen individuals arrested inside the courthouse.
Their visit followed a Mass at the San Diego Cathedral, where Bishop Michael Pham, a refugee from Vietnam and a key figure in the group, offered prayers for migrants on World Refugee Day. "People are longing for people of faith to walk with vulnerable migrants,” Rev. Santarosa stated, highlighting the purpose of their presence as one of solidarity rather than intervention.
Motivated by concerns that migrant communities feel marginalized—some expressing sentiments of fear and invisibility—the leaders hope their presence at the court will foster awareness and support for both new arrivals and long-term residents facing legal challenges. The initiative emerged from a diocese-wide call for events to honor World Refugee Day, emphasizing faith-driven advocacy for those at risk of deportation.
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