Dear Friend,
On Dec. 6, AFSC hosted vigils in five U.S. cities to bear witness to the harm and dehumanization that immigration enforcement inflicts on our communities. I attended the event in Philadelphia with over 40 Friends who showed up to take action with us. We held posters with the message “Immigrants make our communities stronger” and received many words of support from passersby.
One of the most impactful moments for me was when a young woman in a car passing us looked up, read the signs, and mouthed “that’s me” and “thank you.” As immigration enforcement intensifies, it becomes even more important that we work to change the narrative around immigration. We know that change is possible when we show up and speak out for the rights and dignity of all our community members.
These vigils were the first in what we hope will become a series of actions across the U.S., showing love in action as a manifestation of our Quaker values in a time of rising authoritarianism. You can learn about future events on our Love as Action landing page. We hope to see you taking action with us in the new year.
Here are some more ways to engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
Quarterly Quaker Liaison Call (Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT): AFSC liaisons regularly share updates about AFSC’s work in their communities and mobilize Friends to take action. On our January call, liaisons are invited to share updates about peace and justice work happening in their meetings/churches. This will be an opportunity for liaisons from around the country to gather and learn from one another. We will also share AFSC resources that may be helpful to Friends. Register today!
Protecting immigrant communities in San Diego: As the Trump administration expands detention and deportation, people across the U.S. are organizing to protect one another. In San Diego, volunteers patrol their neighborhoods looking for immigration enforcement. When they spot agents, they alert residents, livestream on social media, and sometimes help to prevent arrests entirely. This community patrol model offers a blueprint for resisting ICE through grassroots organizing. Read more and watch the video.
Tell Congress: Stop illegal military strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific: Since Sept. 2, the U.S. has bombed multiple boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific, killing at least 87 people. The Trump administration claims this is part of a new “armed conflict” with “narco-traffickers” but has presented no evidence that these boats have been involved in drug smuggling. These attacks are illegal and immoral. Tell Congress to stop these attacks and reaffirm its war powers authority today!
Know Your Rights materials: As part of our work to resist detention and deportation, AFSC staff have created new Know Your Rights resources for immigrant communities. These flyers provide information about your rights when stopped by ICE at immigration court, in the workplace, at home, and in the street. We hope these materials will be helpful for Quaker meetings and churches working to protect immigrant communities. Access the resources.
QUAKER COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: In November, Multnomah Friends Meeting (Portland, Oregon) hosted a screening of the documentary “No Other Land.” The film follows Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist, as he films his community of Masafer Yatta being destroyed by Israel’s occupation. Proceeds from this event went towards AFSC’s Gaza humanitarian relief fund.
Meeting for Worship with attention to peace: Please join us every Thursday as we worship with Friends from across the U.S. Starting in 2026, worship will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.
You are also invited to attend our weekly Action Hour for Palestine, every Friday at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT. Hear updates from AFSC staff and take collective action as we contact our elected officials. Please share this invitation with members of your Meeting and communities.
Thank you for your continued support of AFSC and all you do to create a more just and peaceful world!
With care,
Ainsley Bruton (they/them)
Quaker Engagement Coordinator
P.S. You're always welcome to contact the Quaker Engagement team at friends@afsc.org with any questions, comments, or concerns.
And stay up to date on upcoming events and ways to take action by joining us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.