(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) is deeply troubled by the recent authorization granted to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct arrests in and around places of worship. Churches, long recognized as sanctuaries of hope and refuge, have historically provided solace and safety to the most vulnerable. To strip these sacred spaces of their sanctity is a direct assault on the trust and dignity of our immigrant communities and the rest of us as well.
“Philadelphia has long been a sanctuary city, a beacon of compassion and support where immigrants have sought safety and opportunity. This new directive undermines that foundation, instilling fear where there was once hope and shattering the sense of security that churches and schools are meant to provide. It is un-American to turn places of worship and schools into zones of fear and uncertainty,” said Nilda Ruiz, President and CEO of APM.
APM stands firmly in solidarity with immigrant families, recognizing the courage and resilience it takes to build a life in the face of adversity. We call on community leaders, faith organizations, and elected officials to unite against this policy and uphold the values of dignity, respect, and safety for all people, regardless of their immigration status.
Now more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to protecting and empowering the immigrant community which is vital to the strength and fabric of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’s business and agricultural communities, integral to properly fueling our country.
APM is a Latino based nonprofit serving the community since 1970, helping thousands of Pennsylvanians annually, with a combined budget of more than $57 million, employing over 400 multilingual, skilled and dedicated professionals, offering an extensive range of bilingual and culturally sensitive services at over 15 sites throughout Eastern North Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks and Cumberland counties. Our programs include affordable housing, early childhood education and daycare, foster care and adoption, child protective services, employment assistance, substance abuse treatment and behavioral health services for adults.
Contact: Emily Cordero, Director of Communications – 1900 N. 9th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122 – Cell: 1-267-255-7625 – Email: Emily.Cordero@apmphila.org – Website: https://apmphila.org
