""My colleague who I went with, Rev. Jorge Bautista, he was shot in the face with a pepper ball about six feet away," Nixon said. "They're targeting faith leaders in a way to try to scare us and send a message that nothing is sacred.""
""How can you pass this up, right? Gilliam said. "I have never in my life seen all different congregations coming together.""
""When I stand here, it's like a helpless, hopeless feeling. I have no idea what will happen," Benjio said. "I'm very moved by the people that are here to support everyone who is in a situation of immigration.""
Approximately 150 ministers and congregants gathered outside an ICE office to protest and support immigrants facing detention and deportation. Organizers recounted stories of residents recently detained and deported and described hardships created for family members. Faith leaders reported being targeted during the demonstration, including Rev. Jorge Bautista being struck in the face by a pepper ball at close range. Onlookers such as Kelly Gilliam stopped their cars to join and noted the rare unity of different congregations. Janice Benjio waited anxiously for an immigrant friend at an ICE check-in and expressed helplessness until the friend exited and they embraced.
Read at Kqed
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