At this time, our city is witnessing ongoing immigration raids that are tearing families apart and sweeping up people who have lived, worked, and cared for their communities for years. As practitioners of Zen Buddhism in New Orleans, we do not remain silent in the face of suffering rooted in fear, dehumanization, and violence.

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Guided by the Buddhist precepts and our commitment to compassion, wisdom, and nonviolence, we affirm the inherent dignity and worth of every person, regardless of immigration status. The aggressive policing that we’ve seen in and around New Orleans is traumatizing families, instilling terror in neighborhoods, and treating human beings as disposable.

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We stand with immigrants in our city and elsewhere. We stand with people seeking safety, stability, and the chance to live without fear. As a spiritual community, we commit to practicing care, bearing witness to suffering, and supporting efforts that reduce harm and uphold dignity for all beings. May our words and actions contribute to safety, healing, and a more just world for everyone who calls New Orleans home.

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Mid City Zen Board of Directors

January 18, 2026