80 Faith Leaders from Unitarian Universalist Association Plan Civil Disobedience in D.C. to Protest ICE Funding

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has joined a coalition of 80 faith leaders in planning a day of civil disobedience in Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2026, to protest continued funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The event, titled “Pray With Our Feet,” aims to send a message to the U.S. Senate urging them to reject additional funding for ICE and uphold the Constitution in service of the common good. The action includes a prayer service, a press conference, visits to Senate offices, and a demonstration in the Russell Rotunda.

The UUA is among several religious organizations participating in the event, which was inspired by an interfaith prayer call held on January 23, 2026, in support of Minneapolis and other communities affected by ICE operations. That call attracted over 10,000 participants and featured speakers from diverse faith traditions, including Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Rabbi Jill Jacobs, and Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould. The event will be livestreamed on Faith in Action’s Facebook page, allowing broader public engagement.

Participants are encouraged to contact their Senators before the Friday, January 29, voting deadline, urging them to vote against funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The coalition will deliver a letter to Congressional leadership during the day of action, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications of continued ICE funding. The UUA’s involvement reflects its longstanding commitment to social justice, human rights, and advocacy for marginalized communities.

The UUA’s participation aligns with its public stance on immigration reform and its emphasis on the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The organization has consistently called for policies that promote justice, equity, and compassion, particularly for those impacted by immigration enforcement. The event underscores the UUA’s role in advocating for systemic change and its willingness to engage in nonviolent protest as a means of influencing public policy.

The coalition includes a wide range of faith-based and secular organizations, such as the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the Interfaith Alliance, and the National Council of Jewish Women. This diverse group highlights the broad-based concern over ICE policies and the shared belief that immigration enforcement should prioritize human dignity over punitive measures. The UUA’s inclusion in this coalition demonstrates its commitment to interfaith collaboration and collective action for justice.

The event is part of a larger movement to challenge policies that are perceived as violating constitutional rights and harming vulnerable populations. Proponents argue that funding ICE perpetuates a system of fear and separation, contrary to the values of compassion and neighbor-love. The UUA’s involvement in this action reflects its dedication to these principles and its role in advocating for a more just and humane immigration system.

As the UUA and its partners prepare for the day of action, the event serves as a reminder of the power of faith-based advocacy in shaping public discourse and policy. The coalition’s efforts are rooted in the belief that justice and mercy should guide governmental actions, a principle echoed in Micah 6:8, which calls for people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. The UUA’s participation in this movement underscores its ongoing commitment to these values in the public sphere.

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