Vigils planned across midstate to protest immigrant detention

(Harrisburg) — Demonstrators plan to gather in cities across the midstate and the country Friday night to protest conditions in migrant detention centers at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The vigils are organized through the national Lights For Liberty coalition, which is calling for an end to immigrant detention.

Cynthia Fry is a stay-at-home mom turned school bus driver who is spearheading a vigil in Lancaster’s Penn Square. She said the news of family separations, deaths, and poor conditions in immigrant holding facilities at the border has compelled her to take action.

“I would love to see people be productive and use this energy and this anger; call their elected officials, send postcards, make donations,” Fry said.

The vigil will have activities for children, including a lemonade sale whose proceeds will go to nonprofits working with asylum seekers.

It will also feature speakers who will share their immigration experiences.

Fry said she wants the event to be nonpartisan.

“This is not a right or a left issue, this is a right or a wrong issue,” Fry said. “Family separation is just plain wrong.”

Other demonstrations are planned in Carlisle, York, Harrisburg, and outside the Berks County detention center in Leesport.