MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A candlelight vigil for the disappeared and unlawfully detained, hosted by the Lake Superior Indivisible Organization, was held Friday night at the Marquette Commons.
As the snow lightly fell on the somber crowd, words of hope, unity, and peace floated in the air like the steam rising from their voices.
Over 100 people came together this evening to show their outrage over the killing of Renee Good at the hands of ICE agents and the hundreds of people who have gone missing, presumably due to the current immigration crackdown.
“They’ve had enough of what they’re seeing out there, and they want to stand up and be seen and make it known that they’re not okay with what things are happening, especially in our cities,” said event organizer Faith Veley.
The cold conditions had little effect on the heated criticism of Trump’s immigration policy. Speaker after speaker faced the crowd, imploring them to contact their government representatives and put restrictions on ICE.
“(urge them) to vote against funding ICE unless they can meet more humane conditions,” said concerned resident, Debby White.
For many who remain in silent frustration over the steady parade of controversy surrounding ICE operations in Minneapolis, events like tonight’s vigil can be cathartic,
“It’s a good release for them to be together and to feel some sort of hope that maybe together, we can do something about this,” said Veley.
The evening included songs, meditation, and a sermon by a Buddhist priest, but most of the night was spent reaffirming democracy by directing their voices to be heard by elected officials.
