Faith leaders gather at Portland ICE facility, call for immigration reform

Clergy and church members hold Good Friday vigil, demand policy changes to protect immigrant rights

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:53am by Ben Kaplan

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a lone figure holding a palm branch, standing in front of a government building shrouded in warm, dramatic lighting and deep shadows, conveying the contemplative mood of the faith-based immigration reform gathering.A solemn vigil outside a federal immigration facility underscores the faith community's ongoing fight for humane immigration policies.Portland Today

Dozens of faith leaders and church members gathered outside Portland's ICE facility on Good Friday, participating in religious practices and calling for immigration reform. The group, representing various Protestant denominations, handed out a packet outlining policy changes they want state and federal leaders to adopt, including prohibiting unannounced inspections of detention facilities and protecting Oregon's sanctuary state laws.

Why it matters

The gathering highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies and the role of faith communities in advocating for the rights and humane treatment of immigrants. As the U.S. continues to grapple with complex immigration issues, this event demonstrates how religious organizations are using their moral authority to push for reforms.

The details

The group of clergy and church members, led by Rev. Catherine Alder of Clackamas United Church of Christ, participated in prayers, held palm branches, read scripture, and took communion during the vigil outside the Portland ICE facility. They handed out a document titled 'Call For Humane Immigration Practices' that outlines eight policy demands, including prohibiting unannounced inspections of detention facilities and preventing the construction of new federal detention centers in Oregon.

  • The vigil took place on Good Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Rev. Andrea Cano

A minister with the United Church of Christ who participated in the vigil.

Rev. Catherine Alder

The organizer of the event and a minister at Clackamas United Church of Christ.

Cecil Prescod

A pastor in the United Church of Christ who spoke at the event.

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What they’re saying

“We have not only the United Church of Christ, we have the Quakers, Presbyterians, a real scope of Protestant denominations here with us.”

— Rev. Andrea Cano, United Church of Christ minister

“Jesus was in the hands of the empire. He was killed by the empire, and these people who are arresting our neighbors are doing the same thing. They're working for the empire, and so we're trying to confront them with love and say, 'change your ways.'”

— Rev. Catherine Alder, Clackamas United Church of Christ minister

“Immigration reform is a reminder that we are called to welcome all people. Jesus himself was an immigrant. Jesus himself experienced what it meant to flee from his country of origin. The list of demands are very simple demands: we want to make sure people are safe. That those who are captured have justice.”

— Cecil Prescod, United Church of Christ pastor

What’s next

The group plans to finalize the 'Call For Humane Immigration Practices' document and deliver copies to the Oregon governor and other state leaders.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates how faith communities are using their moral authority to advocate for immigration reform and the humane treatment of immigrants. As the U.S. continues to grapple with complex immigration issues, the involvement of religious organizations in pushing for policy changes highlights the important role of diverse voices in shaping the national dialogue.