Community rally planned in response to ICE activities

Jasper–A community rally is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, July 18, on the courthouse square in Jasper.

Called Stand Together, the event was organized by Breanna Knies, who said she decided to plan the gathering after Lilia Hernandez posted on Facebook last week about her husband, Angel Hernandez, being detained.

Mrs. Hernandez posted on Facebook that her husband was stopped by an unmarked vehicle during a traffic stop while on his lunch break and taken into custody. Mrs. Hernandez stated Angel has been in the process of obtaining legal status.

The incident inspired Knies to take some action.

“This has always been something that has hit hard because I do have Hispanic family and they need all the support they can get right now in our community,” Knies said.

Knies posted flyers for the event to Facebook, describing it as a peaceful, faith-inclusive gathering open to all ages and backgrounds. The event will include time for prayer, reflection, and a peaceful demonstration, as well as a donation collection.

Asked what she hopes comes out of the event, Knies said her biggest hope is that every affected family knows they are not alone.

“There has been too much fear, hurt, and division in our community, but there are also so many people who believe in compassion and are willing to stand beside their neighbors,” Knies said. “I hope this event reminds people that love is louder than hate and that kindness still exists here.”

She added that even if just one person leaves the event “feeling seen, heard, and less alone,” she’ll consider it worthwhile.

Donations collected at the event will go to ALASI (Asociación Latinoamericana del Sur de Indiana), which Knies said offers multiple avenues of support for immigrant families in the area.