A display of solidarity unfolded Tuesday in Huntington Station, where an interfaith vigil was held in support of migrants who have been deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Dozens of residents, faith leaders and advocates gathered at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church before marching to New York Avenue, calling for an end to mass deportations. The event, marked by prayer, song and testimony, was a call for compassion and reform.
A poignant moment came when two brothers from Central Islip, who were recently deported to El Salvador, addressed the crowd via Zoom.
Christian Cederstrom, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, urged those in attendance to take action.
“We’re here to call people to action against hate and show that love is what our country is built on—love and freedom to be who you are, no matter where you come from,” he said.
In addition to the vigil, attendees drafted a letter to their congressional representatives, demanding an immediate halt to ICE enforcement actions.