The Pop-up Peace Choir creates musical demonstrations – often directly outside of ICE detention facilities – to resist the inhumane arrest and detainment of immigrants without due process in the United States.
It promotes the rights of immigrants, children, and humanity at large, and believes that music can play a role to usher in an era of peace and compassion for everyone on Earth.
By gathering in song, the peace choir seeks to remind those who are detained inside these facilities that they are seen, remembered, and deeply valued.
At the same time, choir members hope to remind the owners, employees, and federal agents operating at these facilities that unless they are Indigenous, most people in the United States (or their ancestors) were immigrants. Everyone in this country deserves a right to due process, humane treatment, dignity, compassion, and respect – whether they are an immigrant or not.
The choir also affirms that no amount of time is safe for babies and children to be in detention and that they should immediately be released into the care of their families or trusted members of their communities.
Singing together in the name of peace can usher in the optimistic, compassionate, diverse, and united future we believe this country is capable of and ready for.
Peace
Nonviolence
Compassion
Unity
Diversity
Inclusion
Human rights
Human dignity
Hope
Community
Courage
Creativity
Mutual aid
Joy as an act of resistance
When the Saints Go Marching In
An African-American Spiritual
Sing Down the Walls
By the Peace Poets in collaboration with children at Dilley Detention Center
This Little Light of Mine
An African-American Spiritual
Amazing Grace
By John Newton, a slave ship captain who later became an outspoken abolitionist
This Land Is Your Land
By Woody Guthrie, who fought for social justice and the fight against fascism
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
to honor those who have passed due to ICE-related deaths
Each community is encouraged to add songs that reflect their own traditions and cultures.
No choir experience is necessary. Everyone who aligns with the mission of the pop-up peace choir is welcome to join for scheduled performances outside of immigrant detention centers. Refer to the quick one-pager or the full field guide to get more information about the expectations, risks, and safety reminders for participants.
© Adrienne Gail 2026