Monday night, Hillcrest Elementary School opened its doors to the community for a prayer vigil. The goal was to show support to the families affected by the federal immigration raid that took place at Southeastern Provision, a meat packing plant in Grainger County.
Hundreds of people poured into the gymnasium to show support.
"We support people in our community regardless of documentation or status because we show compassion toward children and those who are working to make a better life for their children," Deb Miska said.
The night started with the Superintendent of Hamblen County Schools Dr. Jeff Perry saying they want all kids, no matter what their situation may be, to be safe and feel comfortable in school.
A woman named Ana sat in the back row of the vigil and said it was great to see so many people come out to show support.
"We should all stand together," Ana said through a translator.
Many people spoke, and the vigil including a young woman pleading to ICE agents, saying she just wants her family and loved ones back.
Deb Miska sat in the front row as she waited for her son to speak in front of the audience. She had a message she wanted everyone to hear.
"We're not trying to say illegal activity is OK, we are saying that when compassion needs to be shown, there's a difference between right or wrong and violent and nonviolent," she said.
Another vigil was held at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian and Universalist Church in Knoxville Monday night. Organizers said dozens of people showed up to pray there as well.
