In the Midst of Fear, We Choose Compassion

Most weekday mornings, volunteers with Casa Alterna’s Compassionate Compas stand outside the gates of Atlanta’s Immigration Court and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office, offering presence, solidarity, and hope to those facing the challenges of the immigration system.

The reflections from recent shifts are powerful:

“I was out of my comfort zone during my first shift—but so were the people in line, doing whatever they could to protect their status. When a brother and father walked out after a successful visit, the joy and relief on their faces made it all worth it.”

“If I dwell on how this system was designed to harm and control lives, I feel my rage rise. So I focused on the people—like little 8-year-old ‘Emanuel’ who became my Spanish teacher… the man tricked out of his parking money. I just let my heart listen.”

One volunteer shared:

“Every encounter was sacred. Every story changed me.”

And then, there is “Cinthia”.

Just 19 years old, six months pregnant, and recently detained by ICE during her check-in. She came alone. A friend and his mother came asking for her the next day. We are holding her and her unborn child in the Light—and hoping for a visit through our partners at El Refugio.

Another reflection:

“One mother told me she’s so afraid all the time that she barely lets her child play outside. My heart hasn’t stopped thinking about that. How do we transform this fear?”

From quiet conversations to high fives from children, from connecting people with legal help to finding them cheaper parking, these acts of accompaniment may seem small—but they matter.

“What I expected was fear. What I saw was patience. Maybe because fear has become part of their daily lives.”

This is why we show up.
To remind people: you are not alone.
To bear witness to a system that offers little justice.
To stand in love, not fear.

If you speak Spanish, or even just enough to try, we need you.
If you have a listening heart, we need you.

Come. Witness. Accompany.