QCI, in cooperation with 20 other Gamaliel affiliates nationwide, held a Prayerful Action on Immigration on Wednesday, August 11 at the Federal Building in Rock Island, Illinois. 38 clergy and lay leaders from the Presbyterian, American Baptist, United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ. Lutheran, Unitarian and Catholic denominations gathered together to  pray and make a direct request to the Federal government.

QCI called for the immedaite end to the mass detention and deportation of non criminal immigrants by the US governement. The leaders also called on the President of the United States and Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napalitano, to immedaite end to the 287(g) agreements between the Federal governement and local law enforcment thorughout the US.

To symbolize the families that are torn apart by these immigration enforecement policies, those gathered tore photos of their own families and posted them on two sepater boards. These boards were then presented to our local US Congressman.

QCI leaders traveled to Blue Island, Illinois in April to show support for Gamaliel of Chicago 's Public Meeting on April 21 about racial profiling of the immigrant community by local law enforcement. More than 800 members of the community joined together at St. Benedict's Church to voice their concern about recent incidents involving local law enforcement profiling residients and working with the Immigration and Custons Enforcement agency in targeting the local community.

7 members of the local city council and the Mayor of Blue Island Illinois heard several testimonials from families of people who were targeted because they were immigrants. The Mayor and the council were asked if they would work to pass a resolution declaring Blue Island a fair and equal city for all residents and immigrants. All council persons present agreed to work to pass this within three months. The Mayor was asked to commit to instructing the police chielf to put a temporary hold on assiting ICE unitl the City makes a formal policy on the issue. Mayor Peloqun declined to commit to such a temporary hold so Gamaliel of Chicago leaders have decided to hold prayer vigils at the Blue Isand public building and to collect information about every incident of racial profiling within the community so they may be turned over to local Cook County officials.

Last week marked the first anniversary of the ICE raid in Postville, Iowa. Attached is a link to the text of the event, including witness statements and statements from Rabbi Darryl Crystal, Rabbi at KAM Israel in Chicago; Rev. Dr. Steven Ullestad, Bishop of the Northeastern Iowa Synod, ELCA; and Most Rev. Jerome Hanus, OSB, Archbishop of Dubuque made powerful statements for comprehensive immigration reform.

The QC Times Op Ed piece ran May 12, 2009 on the 1st anniversary of the Immigration Raid in Postville Iowa.

Tuesday, May 12th marks the First Anniversary of the Raid at Agriprocessors in Postville, Iowa by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The QCA community will commemorate the largest ICE raid in US history and its impact on the community with events including a Pax Christi Prayer Service 7:00pm at Our LAdy of Lourdes in Bettendorf on May 12 and

On Tuesday,to stand in solidarity with the 389 people who were detained and their families, a nationwide
day of remembrance has been declared to promote awareness of the devastating effects of raids.
The prayer vigil and walk to commemorate the event will be held as follows:
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
3:30 p.m. Gather at St. Bridgets Church, 141 W Williams St, Postville, Iowa
4:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil and Remembrance
5:00 p.m. Solidarity Walk to Agriprocessors