Every Sunday at 5 p.m., prayer replaces protest along Tamiami Trail in the heart of the Everglades.
Religious leaders and community members from across Florida gather outside an immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” What began with a few dozen people has grown into weekly vigils drawing more than 100 advocates from Naples, Miami, Orlando and beyond.
“I come out as often as I can, sometimes four days a week. I sit right across from the entrance and I watch. I think of myself as a witness,” said protester Debbie Wehking. “Sometimes we find things that are significant evidence they might be violating the judge’s order. For me, it’s about standing with immigrants.”
The facility opened in July, but a judge has since ordered the state to shut it down within 60 days. The state is now appealing the ruling.
“I feel passionately about this entire situation. There’s been no due process,” said Jamie Dallas, an advocate from North Fort Myers. “It’s not a crime to be undocumented… I don’t want to see innocent people detained like in the 1930s. We have to do everything we can to prevent history from repeating itself.”
Organizers say vigils like these are drawing attention around the country. Faith leaders and community advocates take turns leading prayers outside the Everglades facility each week.
“We know how this story ends. We want to stop it before it happens here,” said Noel D’Amico with the Workers Circle, a Jewish social justice organization. “Every time the government defends this camp, you’ll see us standing here to say it’s un-American… and we won’t stop until it shuts down.”
Despite the legal uncertainty over the detention center’s future, faith leaders and advocates say the vigils will continue bringing prayer, song and solidarity each week to the Everglades.
