Vigil Tonight to Support Undocumented Immigrants

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown will host an inter-faith vigil this evening in support of undocumented immigrants and call for and end to “unjust immigration practices,” the church announced.

The peaceful demonstration begins at 9 p.m. this evening across from the CoreCivic Northeast Ohio Correctional Center at 2257 Hubbard Road.

The vigil comes in the aftermath of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, raids this month on establishments in Salem and Sandusky.

Last week, agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and other law enforcement officials, raided the Fresh Mark meat processing plant in Salem, arresting 146 people. Sixty-six of the detainees have since been freed and are reunited with their families, but more than 80 others remain detained at the private prison.

An ICE raid conducted earlier this month at a garden center in Sandusky led to the arrest of 114 migrant workers, some of who are incarcerated at the private prison.

Local clergy and civic leaders will hold the vigil at 9 p.m. this evening. Preparation for the vigil begins at 6 p.m. at the church at 1105 Elm St. in Youngstown on the city’s north side.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.