Thread: (NC)Communities of faith rally behind arrested workers

Communities of faith rally behind arrested workers
Carol Motsinger • CMotsinger@CITIZEN-TIMES.com • published August 18, 2008 12:15 am

http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ ... GECAROUSEL

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ASHEVILLE - Inocencia Chacon sang hymns with a strong, proud voice in the sanctuary of First Congregational United Church of Christ on Sunday afternoon.

But her voice cracked and wavered when she shared the plight of a good friend from Honduras who faces deportation after being arrested during an illegal immigrant raid Tuesday at Mills Manufacturing Corp.

"They were not criminals," she said during a vigil for those affected by the raid. "They deserve a chance to have a better life."

An estimated 300 people packed the pews of the church to show support and express concern for the 57 workers arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"The faith community felt we needed a voice of comfort and healing for the people who were affected by the raid," said Tyrone Greenlee, who read a poem during the vigil. Several congregations with ties to the area's Hispanic community participated in the service held in the church on Oak Street.

Some wiped away tears during the hymns of hope and prayers asking for strength. Chacon cried as she spoke about her friend, whom she said has two small children and a husband in Honduras who threatened to kill her if she returned.

"The question is now, what is she going to do?" Chacon said.
Chacon has been a U.S. citizen for 11 years, but she moved to the United States from Mexico illegally when she was a teenager. She said she understands the fear, insecurity and discrimination these people are now facing.

"(The situation) has touched me really deeply in my heart," said Chacon, of Asheville.

Gwen Foster carried a sign during the walk from the church to the Buncombe County Courthouse. The sign referenced the phrase on the Statute of Liberty asking for the tired and poor huddled masses.
Other supporters held signs with the names of some of the workers arrested, and stood for a moment in silence in front of the courthouse before joining together in song and prayer.

Foster, of Asheville, doesn't know anyone affected by the raid, but considers this one of her top political issues.
"They have a right to be here as well," she said of the arrested workers. "I just think it's an injustice."

Call Carol at 828-232-2935 or e-mail CMotsinger@CITIZEN-TIMES.com.

"They have a right to be here as well," she said of the arrested workers. "I just think it's an injustice."

No, actually they don't have a right to be here illegally.