Bearing Witness in the Shadows: An Update on the FAITH Program

At First UU, our commitment to social justice isn't just a Sunday morning sentiment—it is a practice of showing up where the need is greatest. For months, our congregation has proudly partnered with the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) in the FAITH (Faithful Accompaniment in Trust & Hope) program.

This vital ministry provides a "reflective presence" for our immigrant neighbors. FAITH volunteers accompany individuals to daunting immigration court hearings and ICE check-ins, standing as a bulwark against intimidation and ensuring that no one has to face a broken system alone.

A Turn Toward Intimidation
A few weeks ago, the landscape of this ministry shifted abruptly. While FAITH and Detention Resistance volunteers were performing their usual roles as observers in the hallways of the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, they were approached by Federal agents.

Despite months of peaceful presence, volunteers were told they were "loitering" and were ordered to leave the building. The encounter escalated as agents threatened volunteers with citations and heavy fines. Ultimately, one FAITH volunteer and several members of Detention Resistance were detained and issued citations for "failure to comply with official signs."

These tactics are a clear attempt to shield the immigration process from public oversight. When the government moves to push people of faith and conscience out of public hallways, it is a signal that they do not want the world to see what is happening inside.

We Will Not Be Moved
Though we have been forced out of the hallways, the heart of FAITH remains unbroken. We are adapting to ensure that "presence" remains our most powerful gift:

• Outside but Undeterred: Volunteers are now gathering outside the courthouse to greet families.
• Accompaniment to the Door: We continue to walk with our neighbors to the very threshold of their appointments, offering comfort and love before they enter.
• A New Chapter of Advocacy: SDOP is currently in active dialogue with local ministers and politicians to challenge these citations and determine the best legal and moral path forward.

What’s Next?
As Father Scott Santarosa recently noted, we believe we have a right to be there—not to obstruct, but to witness. Our faith compels us to stay close to those the system seeks to marginalize.

We will keep the congregation updated as SDOP coordinates our next steps. In the meantime, the work continues on the sidewalk, in our hearts, and in our unwavering support for a more just and compassionate immigration system.

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