Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
TAKING A STAND
Hundreds gather at courthouse to keep families together in wake of immigration crackdown
More than 600 demonstrators rallied on the historic courthouse steps Saturday morning as part of the nationwide Families Belong Together event.
The demonstrators protested to keep families together, reunite families, and end family detention, with a zero detention policy, following the internment of more than 2,000 children, separated from their parents, at the nation’s southern border.
Nine-year old Charlie Iannetta, of Wilmington, spoke for fellow children and probably summed up the event’s intent best.
“Children should not be split from their families,” Charlie said. “Children are not hostages.”
The Rev. Dan Schatz, of the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, said that detaining children is an assault on human rights, amounts to child abuse and can be interpreted as state-sponsored bigotry.
Immaculata’s Sister Eileen Reilly, IHM, said it is not a matter of what god we believe in.
“I yearn to feel once again to be a citizen in a country where all are welcome,” she said with a tear in her eye. “The policies of this administration are immoral, unethical and contrary to everything we believe in. Let us believe in a place where there is freedom for all.”
Barbara Kirby, with the St. Agnes Church Day Room, works with people from many nations. She said that those immigrants freely mix.
“It is a joyful group and somehow we most always manage to understand each other,” Kirby said. “We are all filled with hope like the immigrants are. Migrants and refugees built America and they are making America great.”
The crowd chanted in unison almost a dozen times.
Demonstrators roared: “Yes, we care,” “Justice,” “Show us what democracy looks like, this is what democracy looks like,” “Say it Lord, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here.”
The demonstrators enjoyed the steamy weather as both sides of High Street were jammed on a sunny morning, with temperatures peaking in the high 80s.
State Rep. Carolyn Comitta, D-156 of West Chester, told the crowd that Gov. Tom Wolf stands with them. She called the detainment of children inhumane, intolerable and morally wrong.
“This is not who we are,” Comitta said. “Vote on November 6 as if your future depended on it because it does.”
Protest signs were held high in the borough and at more than 700 sister rallies nationwide.
Cathy Trexler talked about the detained children while holding a sign that read, “Do you know where your children are?”
“They need to go to bed at night and know their parents are going to be there when they wake up,” Trexler said.
Lani Frank was an event organizer and welcomed the guests and speakers.
“Stop the human rights disaster happening on our Southern border until every child is reunited and this policy is abolished,” Frank said. “Let’s make sure we are a community that embraces diversity.”
Mayor Dianne Herrin told the demonstrators that they knew why they had attended the event.
“We feel like we are living in a country that’s losing its moral center,” Herrin said. “We have crossed a threshold.
“We are here because we are facing a crisis that has transcended politics.”
The Rev. Kyle Boyer, Mt. Carmel Church of God in Christ, said that the word justice couldn’t be more appropriate for the situation.
“When something is just, it conforms to facts and reason …. standard correctness … and is proper,” he said.
Homemade signs were everywhere.
“I do care, why don’t U?” read one, an apparent reference to a jacket worn by first lady Melania Trump during a visit to a detention camp in Texas.
“Ancient battle, clear choice, good vs. evil” read another.
“Compassion is an American value, separation is child abuse.”
State Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19 of West Goshen, nearly shouted into the sound system to be heard as the appreciative audience clapped and cheered as he spoke.
“We love America … and we will not let anyone or any group destroy our fundamental values,” Dinniman said. “Anyone who believes in family values does not separate a child from their mother or father.”
West Chester United Methodist Church Associate Pastor Molly D. Rounsley said she attended the rally to bring peace, the uniting of families and the dignity of all everyone.
Susan Rzucidlo, who ran for a seat in the 158th district, also spoke on behalf of the children.
“We are here not only to protect our children but all children,” she said. “We must be better than this. Unite the families now.”
Tonya Thames-Taylor, a West Chester University professor, cited the Declaration of Independence when she said, “it tells the spirit of America.”
Dida Gazoli is an advocate for the Jamie Aguilera Valencia family. Undocumented, Valencia was arrested and jailed when he voluntarily went to government officials to register.
Gazoli spoke about the changes for undocumented immigrants following institution of The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, or The 1986 Amnesty Act.
“They could open their doors, step out of the shadows, and walk into the light of opportunity in the United States,” she said. “They could raise families, start businesses, advance their education and continue to work to support the U.S. economy.”
Stephanie Phillips performed a song she had penned, “Lullaby,” and the event started with Aaron Copeland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” as performed solo by Tom Buglio of Taylor’s Music Store.
In an eerie turn of events, the historic courthouse clock rang 12 times during a pre-planned moment of silence.