West Kensington Ministry leads immigrant justice vigil outside Philly ICE office

On a snow-packed sidewalk outside Philadelphia’s ICE office Wednesday, the Rev. Adan Mairena of West Kensington Ministry led a crowd in a moment of reflection.

Interfaith members of the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia gathered outside the city’s Department of Homeland Security office for their weekly prayer and reflection in support of immigrants affected by increased ICE enforcement. 

“There’s a Mexican proverb that says, ‘They thought they could bury us, but they forgot we were seeds,’” Mairena said. “Here we are, in the winter, and we’re talking about seeds and hope. As we know, seeds get buried in the darkness, in the cold, yet they grow.” 

New Sanctuary members handed out roses to the crowd as a symbol of this hope. 

Mairena served as Wednesday’s vigil leader, a role shared among the interfaith groups involved with the New Sanctuary Movement. Each week, leaders guide the program, introducing speakers and leading prayers, songs, reflections and moments of silence. 

“I believe in square footage ministry,” Mairena said. “So that means my neighbors — like my literal neighbors that live in the Norris Square neighborhood — living in the shadows and the margins, standing in solidarity with them.”

Solidarity was a sentiment echoed throughout the vigil. 

“We’re all immigrants here, we all came from somewhere,” said Rabbi Eli Freedman of Congregation Rodeph Shalom, who is scheduled to lead an upcoming vigil. “I wish we didn’t need a vigil like this on March 11, but somehow I think we will still be here. There will still be work to do.” 

Other speakers shared stories from immigrant communities they serve, highlighting sacrifices made to pursue a life in the United States. 

“I can’t believe the courage of people who have made that journey,” said the Rev. Ellen Williams Hensle of the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. “We’re seeing so much hate and so much rhetoric against [immigrants], but they actually believe in the promise of America.”

Still, the mood wasn’t entirely solemn.

A SEPTA bus driver honked in support, onlookers gathered across the street, and a car passenger shouted through a megaphone:

“Please continue to do what you’re doing ...You are true Americans, real Americans. There are more of us than there are of them.”

Peter Pedemonti, co-director of the New Sanctuary Movement, encouraged attendees to take direct action as ICE activity increases in the city.

“The city has many different tools they can use to limit [ICE’s] reach and to stop any complicity or collaboration,” he said. “There’s a lot of momentum right now, and we need to keep that going to make sure City Council does the right thing. Please call your city councilperson and leadership today.”

Despite a month of freezing temperatures, Pedemonti said the vigils have grown in recent weeks, providing a sense of hope. 

“I think people are coming out because they are furious,” he said. “People are grieving.” 

He and other faith leaders believe they have a responsibility to stand consistently with immigrant communities, especially when actions taken against them contradict religious teachings. 

“We want to assure them that they’re not alone,” said Mairena. 

The New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia’s interfaith prayer vigils for immigrant justice are held every Wednesday at noon at 114 N. Eighth St., outside the Philadelphia ICE Office. 

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