Philadelphia, PA., April 27, 2026: Courageous U.S. citizens from states across the country are organizing to tell the truth about how mass deportation and detention policies are harming their families and undermining the stability of their communities.
The convening in Philadelphia was part of a new movement of “Connected Americans” – U.S. citizens directly impacted by immigration enforcement who have committed to reach millions of people with their stories and stop mass deportation and detention policies which have devastated their families. Participants traveled to Philadelphia from California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, D.C., and communities across Pennsylvania, each bringing personal stories that reflect how these policies are impacting families and communities across the country.
Held at the birthplace of our nation as we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, the convening offered a sharp contrast between the mass deportation policies of today and the country’s aspirational values of freedom, stability, and family unity.
Mass deportation and detention harms U.S. citizens directly. According to the Migration Policy Institute, an estimated 14 million U.S. citizens, green card holders, and temporary visa holders live in a household with at least one undocumented immigrant. In addition, 4.2 million undocumented immigrants are married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder – highlighting the extent to which immigration policies directly affect American families.
Angela, one of the participants, a mother and teacher from Pennsylvania, shared her family’s experience, describing how her husband has been moved across multiple facilities in three states over the past six months:
“My husband has been moved 16 times, to 11 facilities, over the past eight months – even after we won our case. Every time we think we’re getting closer to bringing him home, he’s moved again. I’m just trying to keep our family together, and it feels like the system keeps pulling us apart. Being here this weekend showed me we’re not alone, and that we can come together, organize, and have a voice.”
Josue, a pastor from Texas, shared how these policies are affecting his congregation, with families he has known for years now facing detention and separation, and some members currently in ICE custody:
“In my church, this is something we’re living through. Families I’ve known for years are now dealing with detention and separation, and some of our own members are in ICE custody. People are scared. They don’t know what’s going to happen next. But this convening showed me the power of coming together, and I hope more people will step forward and join us.”
Nathaly, a teacher from New Jersey, shared how fear is affecting her school community, with students afraid to attend classes:
“I see it in my students every day. They are scared, worried about their parents, and living with the constant fear of what could happen to their families. Some do not even know if their mom or dad will be there when they get home. That fear follows them into the classroom, affecting their focus, their attendance, and their ability to be kids fully. I came to the convening because people need to understand the real impact this is having on our communities, and because I want to inspire others to raise their voices, take action, and join this movement.”
Throughout the convening in Philadelphia, participants engaged in organizing trainings, strategy sessions, and coalition-building efforts designed to equip them with the tools to organize and take action in their communities. Attendees discussed ways to elevate their stories in the media, engage local leaders, and build sustained advocacy networks across states to continue educating their communities about the dangers and consequences of immigration enforcement, and continue fighting for justice for immigrants and their loved ones. As part of the convening, participants also took part in a community roundtable moderated by renowned journalist Paola Ramos, where those directly impacted shared their experience and reflected on the growing effort to organize and speak out. You can watch the conversation here.
“U.S. citizens have had enough, and they’re stepping forward because these policies are affecting their own families and communities,” said Cristina Jiménez, Director of Shared Future. “They’re organizing, building power, and refusing to stay silent as their loved ones face detention and deportation. This is about Americans courageously defending the people they care about and demanding policies that reflect the realities of their lives.”
The movement is gaining momentum as more U.S. citizens join “Connected Americans” and recognize the direct impact of immigration policies on their own households and communities and choose to organize and take action.
“What we’re seeing is a growing, organized movement of people who are turning their personal, lived experiences into collective action,” said Greisa Martínez Rosas, Executive Director of United We Dream. “Families are not only speaking out, they’re building the infrastructure to drive change in their communities and across the country.”