PRESS ADVISORY

NEW YORK, NY: In anticipation of the upcoming hearing of his First Amendment case against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Ravi Ragbir will give a sermon at Judson Memorial Church and lead a community action. The event will highlight the impact of the Supreme Court’s recent decision to allow indefinite detention (Jennings v. Rodriguez).

Ravi is a nationally recognized immigrant rights leader and Executive Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City. On January 11, ICE suddenly detained Ravi at a routine check-in appointment, seeking to deport him. A federal judge found his detention to be cruel and unconstitutional and ordered his release. As Ravi continues to fight his deportation, Ravi will preach on Sunday about the parable of The Good Samaritan and about challenging our unjust immigration system through selfless love. The public is welcome to attend.

Following the service, community members will participate in a symbolic ribbon-tying ceremony outside of Judson Memorial Church, to express solidarity with the thousands of immigrants who are incarcerated and hidden in immigration jails around the United States, separated from their families, friends and communities.

• B-roll/visuals: Supporters tying ribbons to the outside of Judson Church; Ravi preaching behind podium.

• Audio: Music and singing inside and outside church; Ravi’s sermon (available upon request); Supporter vox pops.

WHO: Ravi Ragbir; New Sanctuary Coalition; advocates; list in formation

WHEN: Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 11:00am

WHERE: Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012