Tenth anniversary of Postville immigration raid planned

Public invited to remember and recommit to significant action

Friday, May 11, 2018, the tenth anniversary of the Postville, Iowa, Immigration Raid will be observed in Postville.  It will be a time to remember the 389 persons who were arrested on May 12, 2008, to recognize this defining moment as a summons to resolve the current situation regarding immigration, and to unite in seeking comprehensive immigration reform.

The day will begin with a 10 a.m. Interfaith Prayer Service at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Postville, where frightened family members and immigrants gathered and stayed in the immediate aftermath of the raid. Expected participants include persons directly affected by the raid, church representatives who ministered to the immigrants and their families, lawyers who witnessed the injustice, and others concerned about immigration reform. 

At 11:30 a.m., participants will walk to Meyer Park—close to the site of the raid—for a noon rally to highlight the human face of the immigration issue. Reform advocates will call for renewed resolve to work toward a comprehensive, just solution to the current impasse. A trumpet fanfare composed by Dr. Amy Dunker of Clarke University, “Summoned, Addressed, Commanded” will musically proclaim the theme of the observance.   

Event planners are inviting individuals and groups across the country and the world to stand in solidarity with those gathering in Postville by joining in prayer and action.  To receive resources, contact Fr. Nils Hernandez at (563) 539-4442 or Sr. Mary McCauley at (563) 583-8989.

More information will be published in upcoming publications of the Postville Herald.

The Postville Herald

The Postville Herald
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Postville, IA 52162
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