Catholic Community Marches to Miami Immigration Court to Support Migrants

Faith leaders and residents gather to pray for detained migrants and raise awareness of strict immigration policies.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:07pm

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In a show of support for the migrant community in South Florida, members of the Catholic church held a Mass at Gesú Church before marching toward the immigration court in downtown Miami. About 100 people stood in front of the court to pray for migrants with hearings inside and those detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Melissa, the 18-year-old daughter of two detained migrants, spoke about the challenges her family faces with her parents in custody.

Why it matters

The event highlights the ongoing struggles faced by immigrant families in the Miami area due to strict immigration enforcement policies. It demonstrates the Catholic community's efforts to show solidarity and support for migrants who are impacted by detentions and deportations.

The details

After the Mass at Gesú Church, the group of about 100 people marched to the immigration court in downtown Miami to pray for migrants with hearings and those detained. Outside the court, faith leaders and people affected by immigration policies nationwide spoke to raise awareness. Melissa, an 18-year-old whose parents were both detained by ICE, shared how her family is struggling to care for her younger siblings while her parents remain in custody.

  • The event took place on Wednesday afternoon, January 28, 2026.

The players

Gesú Church

A Catholic church in South Florida where the Mass was held before the march.

Melissa

The 18-year-old daughter of two migrants who were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leaving her to care for her younger siblings.

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What they’re saying

“My other sister and I have to take care of our younger siblings, and we can't really focus on school, looking into colleges, and all of that because we have to work hard for our parents.”

— Melissa, 18-year-old daughter of detained migrants (WSVN)

The takeaway

The event demonstrates the Catholic community's commitment to supporting immigrant families in Miami who are impacted by strict immigration enforcement policies. It raises awareness of the challenges faced by children whose parents are detained, underscoring the human toll of the current immigration system.