Clergy Coalition: A Moral Stand Against ICE Raids with Operation Liberty

Following a summer of uncertainty, faith leaders in California are now fostering hope in a significant manner. In Los Angeles, local religious figures convened to bless three specially designated vans aimed at protecting families threatened by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Officially launched on September 20 by the Save America Movement (SAM), Operation Liberty is dedicated to monitoring ICE operations while providing refuge for those neglected by the legal system. This initiative employs trained volunteers such as lawyers, clergy, and veterans across Liberty One, Two, and Three, cultivating community support and accountability. Mayor Karen Bass highlighted Los Angeles' steadfast dedication to vulnerable families, emphasizing the necessity of joint efforts in confronting injustice. Bishop William J. Barber II regards the initiative as vital for democracy, urging clarity of moral values in troubling times. With personal narratives illustrating the toll of such raids, community leaders emphasize the critical need for safe spaces, asserting that authoritarianism will be met with determined pushback.