As conflicts over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown play out in Austin, a downtown church that sits on the same block where protestors have rallied outside of the J.J. Pickle Federal Building is offering a different response.
St. David’s Episcopal Church will host a “Migration with Dignity” prayer vigil and food drive today (Feb. 11) at 6:30 p.m. at 301 E. Eighth St. The event, headlined by Episcopal churches across Austin, will be a peaceful interfaith gathering focused on reflection, solidarity, and support rather than confrontation.
“We feel it is important for our communities to see faith leaders stand for the dignity of every human being, especially since religion is currently being misused as a weapon to harm folks,” Rev. Alyssa Stebbing of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church told Austin Free Press.
The gathering reflects how faith leaders are positioning themselves as a calm, organizing force amid growing fear, public distrust, and legal limits on how city officials can respond to immigration enforcement.
Boiling Point
The vigil comes as tensions boiled over last week when community members packed a public meeting on Feb. 5, confronting Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis and other city leaders over the department’s interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Attendees repeatedly interrupted the public discussion with city officials, accusing them of failing to protect undocumented immigrants.
“I know that feelings are extremely high, and we are in unprecedented times in this country,” Davis said. “Certainly, as police chief, I understand the irony of all this when I’m here trying to ask everyone to trust us.”
In January, APD notified ICE of an individual with an administrative warrant following a disturbance call, which led to the deportation of a mother and her 5-year-old daughter. Community members warned that fear of deportation has made some hesitant to call 911 in emergencies, and demanded stronger limits on police interactions with ICE.
Met with boos and shouts from the crowd, city officials pushed back, saying Texas law restricts how far APD can go in cutting ties with ICE. “I’m sorry that we’re not saying everything that you want to hear, but we’ve got to tell you the truth. We’ve got to explain the legal situation and what we are — and aren’t —allowed to do,” said District 4 City Council Member Jose “Chito” Vela.
Davis noted that under state law Senate Bill 4 the city can’t prohibit an officer from contacting ICE. But she assured the public that APD does not check immigration status and the majority of officers take no action on administrative warrants.
Davis said that her department is drafting a new policy that will direct officers who want to call ICE to refer that decision to their supervisors. APD’s finalized General Orders policy will be reviewed by the Public Safety Commission in March. While APD currently provides quarterly reports related to interactions with immigration enforcement and information sharing, last week the Public Safety Commission unanimously voted to approve a recommendation to require more in-depth reporting.
Rising tensions
The tensions have been building, as Austin Independent School District students staged walkouts to protest ICE actions, prompting Gov. Greg Abbott to order an investigation of the district, warning of funding cuts under Texas law.
Last month, rumors spread online during Winter Storm Fern that ICE was targeting local cold weather shelters. Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations Director David Gray debunked the rumors during a Public Safety Commission meeting last week. He said that while shelter officials cannot block ICE from conducting its activities, they are not required to assist. Guidelines say shelter officials should request documentation and review warrants, as well as notify the city attorney and APD if they encounter ICE agents.
These charged reactions highlight a gap between community members demanding bold resistance and local leaders who say that they must navigate legal constraints.
Faith Steps In
The “Migration with Dignity” prayer vigil and food drive is a night of peaceful advocacy that aims to bring together faith leaders, advocates, and community members of all religions, as well as those who do not identify with one. The prayer vigil will be led by St. David’s clergy, joined by Rabbi Will Hall of Temple Beth Shalom, who will speak and offer a prayer. Noting that there will be singing during the vigil, Stebbing said, “When you sing, you pray twice.”
Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate. Donations will be directed toward addressing food insecurity affecting immigrant communities in the Austin area. The loss of federal protection from immigration enforcement for social service institutions has made it harder for those in need to seek help as they fear risk of detainment.
Building community and solidarity
Ahead of the vigil, St. David’s will host a community dinner at 5:30 p.m. for a $10 donation, creating space for socializing and conversation.
“It’s a great way to meet people and build community,” Stebbing said. Food will be provided by the church’s Café Divine, with vegetarian options.
Following the vigil, a 30-45-minute community organizing meeting will allow attendees to share ideas and learn about ways to support Austin’s immigrant community.
Continuing support
The event is part of St. David’s monthly “Stand with Migrants” gatherings focused on dignity and a welcoming community response to immigration. Vigils are scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month through May. The next one will be 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 at St. David’s.
Stebbing said the response has been enthusiastic. “For one it brings unity to people who are frustrated, angry, and traumatized by what is happening in our country,” she said. “And two, those who are afraid to appear in public see their community come together to advocate for them and their rights.”
For more information, contact Dianne Hardy-Garcia, St. David’s director of community engagement and advocacy, at Dianne.h-g@stdave.org.
Shelby Ligon is a freelancer who reports from and lives in the Texas Hill Country.
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