Hundreds of people came out Friday night as part of a worldwide Lights for Liberty vigil in support of immigrants held in camps on the Mexican border.
Suffolk Legislator William “Doc” Spencer said, “Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum or what your opinion in immigration is, we have a responsibility–an obligation–to stand up and speak out against the humanitarian crisis that is taking place, right now, at our southern border and the pain and suffering families are enduring as a result.”
The crowd, which gathered at Main Street and Park Avenue, listened to music, including a rendition of John Lennon’s song Imagine, held up lights and signs urging family reunification and better treatment of those detained.
A representative of U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, who was visiting a camp in Texas, that said, in part, “Inhumane treatment of any person is un-American. I commend each and every one of you for doing all you can to keep a spotlight on this growing concern and know that i stand with you in spirit as we continue to raise the alarm.”
The vigils came two days before announced plans to conduct massive immigration raids to arrest undocumented residents.