Tag: immigration

Music and Solidarity: West Michigan Concert Supports Families Affected by Immigration Enforcement

More than 1,300 people filled the pews and balconies of Fountain Street Church on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, for a benefit concert aimed at bringing hope and support to immigrant families in West Michigan.

Organizers said the event raised more than $45,000, with funds split evenly among three local groups: Movimento Cosecha GR, SECOM Community Resource Center and Kent County Indivisible. The groups work to support immigrant families, especially those affected by actions from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

But organizers said the concert was about more than raising money. They said their biggest goal was to bring joy to the community during a difficult time.

“In the midst of all that’s going on in the world today, their biggest goal for this event was to bring joy to others,” organizers said.

The concert began as a simple idea just over three months ago. With the help of nearly 100 volunteers, that idea grew into a large gathering that brought together music, community and activism.

“The idea was, is there any way that we could bring the community together for a benefit concert where the whole day would be focused on music, food, joy and the common cause of helping immigrant families affected by ICE,” said John Haines of Kent County Indivisible.

Throughout the afternoon, music filled the historic church. Local musicians, including Jeff Schroeder, Friends and Cabildo and BootStrap Boys, performed for the crowd. Many audience members clapped, danced and sang along, creating a feeling of unity and celebration.

Those who attended  walked through information tables set up by local organizations. Volunteers shared resources, answered questions and explained ways people could support immigrant families in West Michigan.

Organizers said they hoped people would leave not only entertained but also inspired.

The event was designed to show a different side of community action. Instead of focusing only on protest, it focused on bringing people together through music and shared experiences.

People of all ages attended, from young children to seniors. Families sat together in the pews, while others stood in the back or gathered in hallways to listen. Many said they came to show support and stand in solidarity with immigrant neighbors.

Organizers said the strong turnout showed how much the community cares.

“This was about solidarity,” one volunteer said. “People wanted to show they care and that they stand together.”

Many attendees said the concert gave them hope. They said it reminded them that even during stressful and uncertain times, people can still come together to support one another.

Organizers acknowledged that the challenges facing immigrant families will continue. They said news and social media can often feel overwhelming and discouraging.

But they hope this event left people with something positive to hold onto.

People came together in solidarity to join in a day of music, joy and protest to help families affected by immigration enforcement. Organizers said they know that when people return to their daily lives and see difficult headlines again, they will remember this day.

They hope the concert planted what one organizer called “a seed of a memory” — proof that community, compassion and joy are still possible.

Hundreds Rally in Grand Rapids for Human Rights

Marcher line up to take to the streets of Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS — The streets of downtown Grand Rapids echoed with chants of “¡Sí se puede!” and “Aquí estamos” on the afternoon of Saturday, February 1, as hundreds of demonstrators gathered for the Stand Up & Fight Back rally. Organized by the Grand Rapids Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (GRAARPR), the rally aimed to highlight issues impacting marginalized communities under the current administration, particularly immigrant rights and Palestinian lives.

The demonstration began at Fountain Street Church, where local organizers and community leaders addressed the crowd before leading a march through downtown. Protesters held signs high and voiced their concerns over policies they believe disproportionately affect immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups.


Among the marchers was Marianna Silva, who attended the rally in honor of her immigrant parents. “My parents are immigrants, but it’s okay. They’re out here making the world better for me,” Silva said. “It actually makes my heart bigger. It makes my heart melt. There are so many people out here who have immigrant parents, and they’re standing in solidarity. That’s how it should always be.”

Yasmin Montoya echoed that sentiment, saying she was marching to be a voice for her parents. “I want to be their voice, since they really can’t use theirs as much as they’d like to. I’m here to advocate for them and for our community,” Montoya said. “It’s a blessing to see so many people coming together to support one another.”

For Sherlyn A., the event was an emotional experience shared across borders. “My parents came to this country legally, and they work hard every day,” she said. “I was just on FaceTime with my dad, showing him all the people who came out to support. He looked like he wanted to cry.”


The rally brought together over a dozen organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids, and GR Rapid Response to ICE. Organizers emphasized the importance of unity among different movements fighting for justice.

“We have to stand in solidarity with all these different movements,” said Julian Cortez of GRAARPR. “We’ve already seen a lot of executive orders, and we see the direction this administration wants to take the country. We are standing here to say we are not going to take it.”

Cortez highlighted that the fight is far from over. “We are here standing in solidarity with the Two-Spirit LGBTQ+ community, with Palestinians, with Black lives, and with workers’ rights. This is only the beginning.”


Saturday’s rally marked the first large-scale protest in Grand Rapids since the new administration took office, but organizers made it clear it would not be the last.

“We cannot let fear make us apathetic,” one organizer told the crowd. “Let’s make 2025 the people’s year.”

As the marchers returned to Fountain Street Church, the energy remained high, with many attendees discussing ways to stay involved and continue the fight for human rights. With the momentum gained from this event, activists in Grand Rapids are making it clear: they are ready to stand up, fight back, and keep pushing for change.