El Monte prayer vigil urges unity amid tensions prompted by federal immigration raids

EL MONTE, Calif. (KABC) -- Community members gathered on Tuesday night for a prayer vigil in El Monte, calling for unity, healing and peace amid tensions prompted by recent federal immigration raids.

The gathering was held outside the headquarters of the El Monte Police Department, with attendees lifting their arms in prayer.

"We believe that there is power in unity, that there is power in love, and there is power in prayer," said one speaker. "It is about recognizing that we are all God's creation."

One activist held a sign that read "Corrupted officials OUT!!" Another called for the resignation of Chief of Police Jake Fisher.

"We need to stand up for our rights," community activist Irma Zamorano told ABC7. "The city has done nothing to protect us, the residents of El Monte."

Fisher attended the vigil and described his officers' role in an incident that occurred last month, when federal agents shattered the car window of activist Maria Santay, who was livestreaming as she sat in the driver's seat.

"We got a call for emergency assistance by CBP officers," Fisher said in an interview, referring to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "Our officers responded. It was a little chaotic at the time."

The El Monte officers, the police chief said, could not interfere when federal agents made it clear they were going to detain Santay.

"A supervisor must arrive on scene at the same time and/or before our officers to help get a better perspective of the scene and keep our officers from engaging," Fisher said.

Pastors joined parents, children, and local business owners, many of whom said they were shaken by the constant reality of fear in the community.

"I'm scared," said Marcos Alvarez, owner of Markos Breakfast and Dinner. "I'm sad because my people are scared, and I want to protect them. I want to support my people."