Week 22 of the Interfaith Vigil at Alligator Alcatraz

By Jose Mejia

This weekend, we attended the 22nd week of the Interfaith Vigil at Alligator Alcatraz, where community members gathered once again in prayer, reflection, and solidarity. People of many faiths and backgrounds came together to stand for justice, dignity, and compassion.

During the vigil, we heard powerful and painful testimonies from family members of detainees who spoke about ongoing abuse and mistreatment inside the facility. Many raised serious concerns about the lack of access to essential medications, placing detainees—especially those with chronic and serious health conditions—at significant risk.

The Interfaith Vigil continues to call attention to the human rights violations happening behind closed doors, while also holding space to pray for the wellbeing and protection of all those detained. The gathering also highlighted the urgent need to protect the Everglades, a fragile and irreplaceable ecosystem, and land that is sacred to Native communities who have cared for it for generations.

Photos by Jose Mejia