Join us to celebrate Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity’s 25th anniversary with our fourth annual 2026 Love Over Fear Benefit Concert, an inspiring evening of music and storytelling. Experience a powerful lineup of incredible local BIPOC musicians, as we explore themes of journey, justice, and liberation. Proceeds from the concert will advance IM4HI’s work to demand the full humanity of every individual through immigration and decarceration advocacy, accompaniment, and the leadership development of directly impacted leaders and faith allies. In this time where fear is so present, we can’t wait to gather our beloved community together to commemorate 25 years of IM4HI’s prophetic witness and ground ourselves in love for the years to come.
Doors open at 6:00pm / Show starts at 6:30
Tickets are general admission, sliding scale $20-50. If you are unable to attend, please purchase a “Pay-It-Forward” ticket to be used by one of our immigrant/formerly-incarcerated leaders.
We are deeply honored to welcome back Benjamin Mertz (aka BenjaSoul), renowned composer, performer, and beloved IM4HI Board Chair— as this year’s producer. Known for his roots in the Black Spiritual tradition, BenjaSoul brings a sound that is both healing and transformative—perfect for this powerful evening.
It is with heavy hearts that we share our difficult decision to postpone this year’s pilgrimage to the Kern County ICE detention facilities. This annual pilgrimage is a co-production with our partner organizations in the Dignity Not Detention Coalition. And after much consultation with them, particularly local Kern-based organizations and legal partners, it became clear that during this statewide, 45-day surge of ICE enforcement in California in the weeks leading up to the election, the safety of our neighbors and participants must come first. We are heeding the call of local attorneys and community leaders, who are on high alert responding and preparing families through rapid response networks. We are seeing the uptick of ICE arrests around the state and want to encourage people to focus time and resources to support those affected locally. The last time we cancelled the pilgrimage was in 2020 during COVID-19, and this is another statewide and national crisis.
We are so grateful for all the time, music, art, and planning everyone has poured into this and we know many of you were looking forward to this as much as we were, and may feel the same frustration, disappointment, and loss.
We are so grateful to all the organizers and planners who spent so much time developing a wonderful program; as well as to more than 100 participantswho were ready to serve local communities in Kern County and those inside detention.
We know that this increase in arrests will continue to fill the ICE detention centers and we want to continue our focus, support and public pressure in service of the more than 6,000 people held in ICE detention across California.
Pleaseread below how you can redirect to take collective action and learn more about detention centers in California as well as support to communities impacted by ICE presence.
How You Can Keep Building Beloved Community for those in ICE Detention in Kern County and in California:
We won’t let the walls separate us from those in ICE Detention in California.
Donate Commissary for People detained to get food & phone calls they need to survive, especially those without family who can support them. Help be their community! KWESI: Supporting commissary deposits to all people within the Kern County detention centers. Kwesi will be prioritizing commissary donations to WOMXN in detention in California City. Donate any amount you are able to of $25, $50 or more. Learn more about KWESI here.
2 . Write to Those in Detention. Host a letter-writing event to those in detention, especially before the holidays. You will receive a toolkit and a volunteer will guide you on the next steps. To get involved or for more information, contact: lettersofhope@im4humanintegrity.org.
3. Learn More: Save the Date for Our Webinar, “Demystifying Detention in California and What You Can Do” on November 10th at 6:30 pm – 8:00pm
We will be doing a virtual webinar about detention centers in Kern County, premiering the pilgrimage film and sharing about actions you can take. More details coming soon.
4. Sign the HugsBeyond Bars petition – HUGS BEYOND BARS: People in ICE detention at California City are not allowed to hug or hold their loved ones; not even when they visit. Learn about the campaign to allow contact visits at Cal City and how to take action at www.hugsbeyondbars.organd follow us on Instagram: @hugsbeyondbars Contact alex@ccijustice.orgto get involved.
5. Stay tuned for more information about how you can organize your group do a Visitation trip and help provide transportationfor families who would like to visit their loved ones. If you would like to receive the Visitation toolkit, please contact pilgrimage@im4humanintegrity.org.
6. Thank you to all those who have helped gather mutual aid items for communities in Kern County and San Joaquin County this past week! We will continue to do this so please stay tuned for the next collection times and drop-off information.
7. Thank you to CIYJA for supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and youth during the ICE raids in the Central Valley, while organizing for pet food to go to California City animals. Learn more about theirpet support here.
We did have a beautiful new T-shirt designed! If you would still like to buy a T-shirt please do so by attending the IM4HI’s 4th annual “Love Over Fear” concert on Nov. 19th at 6PM,find more info here.
Finally, we urge everyone to remain hopeful and get more organized. There are many actions we can take to create safety and belonging for all to help us Become the Beloved Community that we know is possible!
We’re thrilled to launch our summer merch collection!Weave your values into what you wear and wrap yourself in comfort this summer.
Partner with us in reshaping how we understand immigration and public safety — moving from punishment and exclusion toward dignity, care, and the belief that every person is sacred. IM4HI’s summer merchandise is more than fabric; it’s a statement stitched with purpose.
Every faith tradition calls us to care for the stranger, protect the vulnerable, and honor the dignity of all. Join us in uplifting everyone touched by incarceration and immigration enforcement.
Every piece you wear is a small act of solidarity — and every purchase powers our movement all season long.
Sale runs through [August 21] — order today, quantities are limited on several items.
Shop with purpose. Wear your values. Support immigrant families.
COLLECTIONS
All People are Sacred Signature Collection
Get your hands on our signature IM4HI t-shirt and sweatshirt, showcasing original artwork by Bay Area artist Alex Rae Phelps. These fair trade organic cotton sweatshirts, available in a beautiful light green, feature our slogan, “All People Are Sacred Across Bars and Borders.” Choose between a yellow or pink flower — and act fast, because these beauties won’t last!
Love Over Fear Collection
Our exclusive golden yellow Love Over Fear campaign t-shirt, launched during our Love Over Fear Oakland Campaign that lifted up stories of community members creating spaces of love for the Town. This t-shirt features the incredible artwork of Oakland artist, Francis Mead. When you wear this shirt, you’re choosing to replace fear, xenophobia, and racism with love, forgiveness, and shared humanity — contributing to the creation of safe and thriving communities.
Pilgrimage Collection
Carry a piece of our collective journey with you. These limited-editions commemorate our pilgrimages in the Central Valley, where faith allies and community members gathered to advocate for an end to detention and deportations and to uplift the dignity of all families.
Convergence for Our Dignity (Pilgrimage 2025)
Wear a soft lilac cotton that carries the memory of last year’s encuentro — the gathering where our community came together in solidarity and dignity. Over three transformative days, more than 200 people bore witness, honored lives impacted by detention and incarceration, and demanded an end to the harm caused by private prison corporations like GEO Group and CoreCivic.
Journey to Freedom (Pilgrimage 2024)
Guillermo Medina Reyes, a directly impacted member of our community, created the original artwork for this cerulean blue shirt. Our community wore it as a prayer on our 2024 pilgrimage to end detention. Wear it as a piece of living history — a way to walk alongside a movement, even on days you’re just walking to work.
Pathways of Hope Collection
A community cooking showcase inspired this collection, where IM4HI families brought their cultures and cuisines to the table — from Nigeria, Haiti, Laos, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, China, and beyond — celebrating the way a shared meal builds beloved community. The turtle design at its center symbolizes resilience, migration, and perseverance: slow, steady, always moving forward, always carrying home along with it. Tie on the apron for your next family dinner or potluck, and let it spark the story-telling — a beautiful way to bring the spirit of the movement into your kitchen.
This limited edition jersey for justice wasdesigned for the IM4HI soccer team that played inthe annual California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice’s Just Goals “Soccer Tournament for Liberation.” The team included formerly detained leaders, faith leaders, and families who’ve turned soccer into a platform for advocacy.
As the World Cup winds down, keep that energy going. Grab your own jersey for justice and represent a community fighting to end ICE detention, one match at a time.
Get yours today and wear your support for immigrant justice on and off the field.
Pre-Order & Pickup Details
Summer merch is limited — order quickly through [square]to receive your items in August.
Pick up: IM4HI Office pickup is available in-person ONLY on
August 18 from 12pm – 6pm or August 20 from 10am – 6pm
Shipping: Prefer not to pick up? Shipping is also available on our Square site for an additional fee.
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