Palmdale, California, on Friday, August 1st, a community advocacy group called SALVA held a “Vigil for Migrant Families.” The group stood in solidarity with those affected by immigration enforcement and urged government officials to protect communities living in fear.

The vigil, which commenced at 6 p.m. at SALVA parking lot, pays tribute to individuals who have been apprehended by ICE. During the event, a community altar was established, adorned with crosses, photographs, and names of individuals who have tragically passed away in detention centers.

Over 300 people gathered to participate in the vigil. The event was attended by local religious leaders and community leaders who delivered words of encouragement.

The organizers also used a conic box where attendees added words of encouragement.

The event continued until 10 p.m. local Latin artists read poems and performed music.

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The goal of this vigil is not only to pray and remember, but to come together as a community and make a clear call for an end to inhumane deportations and in defense of immigrant families.”Said SALVA organizers in previous press release

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has declined to grant a stay in a case that challenges Department of Homeland Security practices. The plaintiffs allege that these practices resulted in the unlawful detention and disappearance of Southern California residents without warrants or legal justification.

As a result of this ruling, federal agents will be required to have more precise probable cause to make arrests instead of relying solely on general suspicion about a person’s citizenship status.

Photos: Vladimir Gomez