Ruba Haddad, a Houlton resident and immigrant herself, spoke during the event not about the treatment of refugees, but the right to vote in the United States. “This is my first political gathering in my life,” she said. Haddad moved to Maine from Jordan four years ago and said that due to the monarchical government of Jordan, she’s never voted in a political election. 

“I never believed that my voice meant anything. I want everyone here to not take this for granted.” 

People discussed the need for change, although some brought up the history of detention centers in the country. “We’ve seen this before,” another visitor stated. Some guests shared personal experiences of witnessing mistreatment of immigrants from earlier generations. 

One woman said that while traveling across the country 35 years ago, her bus stopped in El Paso, Texas, where officers climbed aboard and asked every person if they were an American citizen. 

The group not only talked about the detention centers and treatment of refugees in the United States, but also general feelings toward immigrants altogether. Many people said they believed that people around the nation have a fear of immigrants, which can lead to misunderstanding and hostility. Participants also discussed local improvements that could be made to help immigrants feel more welcomed in Aroostook County. 

“What’s to fear? We are all human,” one participant said during the evening. 

By 8:30 p.m., participants took to the downtown streets to show their support. Some turned on their smartphone flashlights to light the way as they walked together singing, “This Land is Your Land,” in unison.