AFSC to deliver 13,000+ signatures to DHS demanding an end to detention and deportation spending

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) along with partners from the Interfaith Immigration Coalition will deliver 13,000 signatures to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office in Washington D.C. at 12 pm (ET) on January 20, 2026. This petition urges DHS to recognize that immigrants make our communities stronger and to stop wasting taxpayer dollars on detention and deportation.

This event marks the one-year anniversary of President Trump's second inauguration. Hundreds of thousands of people have been detained and deported over the past year, separating families and tearing apart communities. It also comes over a year after AFSC launched its "Stronger with Immigrants" campaign, to address and resist the inhumane treatment of immigrants in our communities. The "Stronger with Immigrants" petition, addressed to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, represents the voices of individuals who believe that immigrants belong in the U.S. and deserve dignity and respect. The petition is one of the many acts of resistance against the brutal treatment of immigrants and those who support them.

"We know, through our values and beliefs, that violence never leads to peace and the horrors we have witnessed this past year from immigration officers are stark examples of state violence" said Imani Cruz, Global Policy Coordinator for Migration Justice with AFSC. "We will never stop demanding peace for every person, regardless of where they are from!"

WHAT: Delivery of over 13,000 signatures to DHS urging that we are stronger with immigrants!  

WHEN: January 20, 2026, 12 pm (ET)

WHERE: U.S. Department of Homeland Security office (300 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024)  

WHO: The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) with partners from the Interfaith Immigration Coalition

VISUALS: Giant "scroll" with signatories, as well as signs and banners showing the impact of the Trump Administration's mass deportation policies.

The in-person delivery of signatures to the DHS office will take place on January 20th at 12pm. RSVP to attend at [email protected] is encouraged but not required.

You can read more about AFSC's Stronger with Immigrants campaign here.

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The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) promotes a world free of violence, inequality, and oppression. Guided by the Quaker belief in the divine light within each person, we nurture the seeds of change and the respect for human life to fundamentally transform our societies and institutions. We work with people and partners worldwide, of all faiths and backgrounds, to meet urgent community needs, challenge injustice, and build peace.