Sharon Levy, 71, a Mt. Airy resident, said she regularly attends the Monday vigils and came out Thursday to advocate for immigrant rights.
“We’re here to proclaim liberty in the land, and we can’t do that unless we embrace liberty for everyone, and that’s part of today’s vigil and message,” she said. “And it’s another way to celebrate this holiday by celebrating all the inhabitants of the land, including the immigrants.”
Rev. Carolyn Clarence Cavaness, Pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, helped to read out the names of people who died in ICE custody at a vigil at Christ Church on July 2, 2026. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
For Sally Heimann, 67, also a Mt. Airy resident, her reason for attending the event was “personal.”
“I have a friend who is an immigrant,” she said. “I don’t want to get into the specifics, but knowing her for the last eight years has made this all feel very personal to me, and I fear for her safety every day, and I’m out here for her, and for all of the people who are just looking for a better life.”