Two families at Cornerstone Church in West L.A., where Pastor Ara Torosian serves, were detained by ICE despite being lawfully present — actively seeking asylum. Both families are still detained, including one with their three-year-old daughter. Their detention was not only traumatic but also happened without due process. Seeking asylum is a legal right, protected under the 1951 Refugee Convention and the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. In response, Pastor Ara travelled to Washington, D.C., to fast, pray and publicly call for justice on behalf of his congregants and other asylum seekers like them. “This is not a protest of noise or conflict, but a humble cry for mercy,” he states.
