Nearly 100 people gathered Saturday outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, i.e., ICE office in downtown Atlanta for a candlelight vigil, calling for the protection of immigrant families and due process rights.
Organizers said the event was meant to show support for those detained inside, reminding them they are not alone.
For many in attendance, the issue was deeply personal. Gail Maclin said her husband was deported, upending her life.
“I lost my housing. I’ve lost my car. I’ve lost all my worldly possessions,” Maclin said. “I still have Amari, but Amari’s not here — he’s in Senegal.”
April Watkins, whose fiancé was also deported, said she attended to honor those who have died in immigration detention or during enforcement actions.
“You should not lose your life for walking to work,” Watkins said.
Throughout the evening, attendees embraced families they said have been torn apart, offering both emotional and financial support.
Adelina Morello, whose husband was deported, described the lasting toll.
“The financial burden is more than you want anyone to bear,” she said. “You go home to an empty house that used to be filled with your spouse. It’s a void.”
Others said they came in solidarity, even without personal ties to immigration enforcement.
“We are not following our own law. We’re not following our own standard, and it is not OK,” said Jenny, a volunteer.
Attendees also urged others to contact state leaders about immigration policies and to vote ahead of the November election.
