AUSTIN, Texas — People from multiple faiths across Austin gathered at St. David’s Episcopal Church downtown Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil in support of migrant families and in remembrance of those who have died during Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations this year.

The interfaith event drew parishioners and community members who said they wanted to show solidarity and call for protection for migrant communities.

“They call me illegal, like my body is a crime scene, like my birth certificate needs forgiveness,” said Jose Sanchez, with St. David’s Episcopal Church.

Organizers said fear is spreading among immigrant families and those perceived to be immigrants.

“We have people who are immigrants, or people who don’t look like they’re white Caucasians, and they’re afraid,” said Susanne of Saint James Episcopal Church.

Speakers also referenced recent deaths of people held in federal immigration custody.

“I think the deaths that we’ve seen recently have increased the sense of urgency and importance to this type of gathering,” said the Rev. Hope Tinsley Benko of St. David’s Episcopal Church.

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According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement news releases, three people have died in Texas this year while in the agency’s custody.

ICE said 55-year-old Geraldo Lunas Campos died Jan. 3 at the Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso after experiencing medical distress. Eleven days later, the agency reported that 36-year-old Victor Manuel Diaz was found unresponsive in his room at the same facility and later died. On Jan. 5, 42-year-old Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres died in a Houston-area hospital from chronic heart issues while in custody, according to ICE.

Benko said the impact extends beyond those directly detained.

“I think people who maybe once felt that they were safe no longer feel safe,” she said.

CBS Austin asked ICE for comment on the three deaths. The agency provided the same news releases detailing each case. On its website, ICE states: “Any death that occurs in ICE custody is a significant cause for concern. ICE prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of all aliens in its custody.”

State Rep. Vikki Goodwin is calling on House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to form an emergency bipartisan committee to review Texas’ cooperation with ICE. She raised concerns about detention practices, local law enforcement agreements, and warrantless searches of U.S. citizens.

CBS Austin has reached out to Burrows and Patrick for comment and is awaiting a response.

For many at the vigil, organizers said the gathering was meant to send a broader message.

“Everyone is here because this is not right and this is not the country we want to live in,” Susanne said.