WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — On Good Friday, a faith-based tradition became a poignant platform for immigrant advocacy outside the Palm Beach County Courthouse. A diverse group gathered to participate in the Stations of the Cross, a Christian ritual celebrated globally, but this year’s focus had a contemporary twist.
Participants substituted traditional religious symbols with signs that depicted harsh realities of immigration enforcement, including images of arrests, detentions, and families in transit. This shift aimed to highlight the pressing issues faced by immigrant communities today.
The Guatemalan Mayan Center, the event’s organizer, expressed that the aim was to bridge the gap between the lived experiences of immigrant families and their faith in South Florida. Lindsey McElroy, one of the organizers, noted the increasing frequency with which local law enforcement, including the Florida Highway Patrol and Border Patrol, detain community members, even those holding valid work permits.
This demonstration was deliberately scheduled to coincide with Good Friday, aiming to draw moral parallels between historical religious suffering and the current struggles faced by immigrant families. As McElroy put it, the hope was to resonate with both themes of faith and contemporary hardship.
Impact on Students
Local high school students were also vocal participants in this demonstration, emphasizing that immigration enforcement directly impacts their families and communities. Yuridia Morales, an attendee, expressed the need to raise their voices despite criticism, stating, “We have to put fear aside and show our people that we are here for them.”
Another student, Cyndia Lopez, highlighted the importance of advocacy, particularly for those who feel marginalized. She emphasized, “If no one does it, they won’t be heard. They won’t be understood,” illustrating the urgent need for awareness and support within vulnerable communities.
Rising Enforcement in Florida and Across the Nation
The demonstration occurred against a backdrop of intensified immigration enforcement throughout Florida. Public data reveals that the state recorded over 20,600 immigration-related arrests from January to October 2025, marking a substantial increase from the previous year as arrests have more than tripled.
Florida is also witnessing heightened collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities, involving coordinated operations that reflect the broader national crackdown. Immigration authorities have been apprehending thousands of individuals weekly, leading to detention levels that have reached a peak in recent years.
Legal Considerations Surrounding Immigration Enforcement
Proponents of immigration enforcement argue that it is a necessary measure grounded in federal law. Immigration attorney Maira Joli clarified that entering the United States without authorization carries legal consequences. She pointed out, “There is no such thing as a clean person who is in this country illegally,” indicating that this violation constitutes a federal crime.
According to federal law, unlawfully entering the U.S. is treated as a criminal offense, while remaining without legal status is generally categorized as a civil violation. However, in specific cases—like re-entry after deportation—it can escalate to a felony. Joli confirmed that these legal distinctions do not alter the way immigration laws are enforced, reinforcing that individuals without legal status are still subject to action under U.S. immigration regulations.
She concluded by stating that the enforcement of immigration laws, including detention actions, is integral to how these regulations are upheld.
