PACT action calls for commitment on immigration issues

Friday, June 20 marked a PACT action at Trinity Episcopal Church at 2nd and St. John by St. James Park in San Jose. More than 150 faith and community leaders met with County Supervisors Otto Lee and Betty Duong as well as State Senator Dave Cortese and Public Defender Damon Silver. After a faith reflection led by clergy of many faiths and testimony from immigrants affected by the current conditions, PACT leaders pinned the elected officials to commit more money to immigrant defense and to work toward universal removal defense for immigrants regardless of ability to pay for an attorney.
"It was a powerful statement from our community of our standing with our immigrant neighbors in the face of ICE actions," said PACT Board Co-Chair Mark Teagle. "Our elected representatives are listening to us and stepping up to make Santa Clara County a better place to live." PACT is continuing its work on the issues of immigration and housing. Pastor Gerardo Vasquez-Padilla of Primera Iglesia Metodista was also there in support.