South Bay holiday tradition 'La Posada' takes on new meaning for migrants

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- For International Migrants Day, groups in Santa Clara County looked to a story from the Bible for inspiration and guidance as immigrants seek safe refuge in our country.

They are demanding changes to immigration practice being carried out and seeking the funding to back it up.

"In the name of heaven, I beg you for shelter."

Words said to have been spoken by Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place to stay before the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Christian story is reenacted in a ritual holiday tradition known as La Posada, with themes that very much hold true today.

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"Mary and Joseph had to ask, 'is there a place for us to stay? Is there a place for us to stay'?" Father Jon Pedigo said. "Like the tens of millions of immigrants asking that very same question in this very same time of year."

Immigrant rights advocates adapted La Posada to highlight the struggles the community feels in Santa Clara County.

They walked past the courthouse and the jail, just a few places where the group says harmful immigration tactics take place, they also called out out spending to support it.

"Trump's latest Big Beautiful Bill made ICE's budget larger than that of most of the world's militaries," Community Service Organization San Jose's Uriel Magdaleno said.

"It's not right that people are being pulled out of court, or as they're leaving jail, pulled into illegal detention," Father Pedigo said.

Given what's happening at the national level, the group is calling on the local government to support the immigrant community.

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Many have already answered that call and pledge to continue to do so.

Santa Clara County and City of San Jose leaders have created laws and funded groups to protect immigrant rights and, as part of La Posada, the group asked for more.

City Councilmember Peter Ortiz offered a promise in return.

"I am proud to stand beside fellow advocates and support the call for $500,000 in additional funding for immigration services in the mid-year budget," Ortiz said.

Events like this one across the country honored International Migrants Day.

But the group says the fight for justice over hate is one that is ongoing on behalf of our community.