'Great Turnout, Awful Reason' Candlelight Vigil Draws Close To 1K Peaceful Protesters To Riverside County

TEMECULA, CA — Nearly 1,000 Temecula Valley residents gathered Monday night at the corner of Ynez and Rancho California roads to light a candle, stand in solidarity, and weep for those who have lost their lives at the hands of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in Minnesota and across the nation.

The local reaction came after yet another fatal shooting in Minnesota on Saturday, during the ongoing ICE tension over the weekend. Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse carrying a licensed concealed weapon, was shot multiple times by federal officers while opposing ICE agents.

Word of Temecula's Candlelight Vigil spread through local online groups, and the majority of those present expressed that their support was with Minnesota; the candles were for all who had lost their lives during the ICE operations.

Alex McLean, together with his wife Jen, family, and friends, joined the community for a night of remembrance, grief, frustration and hope, he told Patch.

"As we stood together, we talked about how many times we’ve gathered in this same place over the past few years, coming to exercise our rights, stand in solidarity, and let our community know that we care deeply about what’s happening in our country and our world," he said.

Some held signs and photos honoring recent victims slain during the Minnesota ICE protests.

"Say their names: Alex Pretti and Renee Good, Keith Porter, Heber Sanchaz Dominguez, Victor Manuel Diaz, Parady La, Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz, Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres, Geraldo Lunas Campos," a sign said. "They all deserve remembrance, they all deserve justice," one commenter shared.

"They deserve to be alive," one commenter wrote. "It’s beyond infuriating. It’s also not surprising no one is holding up pictures of Keith Porter, a Black man. He was murdered on NYE by an off-duty ICE agent in Northridge, CA. No one is holding up pics of the brown people who were murdered. They are worthy of remembrance as well."

In the glow of candlelight, the vigil-attendees stood at times in silence, in times of conversation. They shared stories of past gatherings and rallies from the past year and decades.

Patch spoke with Paul Jacobs, who, like many present, has attended several Duck Pond rallies over the years.

Jacobs has stood in this very spot, opposing the Granite Quarry. He has held signs at numerous political and social causes, but there hasn't been a gathering like this since the "No Kings" day, he said.

As a result of his social media post, hundreds shared their experience of the night, or thanked those for attending for those who could not.

"I could only make the last 30 minutes. Great turnout, awful reason," one attendee said.

"Thank you to those who showed up for decency -- for Renee Good, for Alex Pretti, for every person brutalized and/or murdered by ICE. I was with you in spirit," one woman shared.

"This gives me hope in Temecula," another community member wrote.

Still others shared they attended or saw candlelight vigils in Auganga and Menifee, as well.

Paul Jacobs and another community member served as makeshift crossing guards during the night, helping attendees cross the street amid a steady stream of commuter traffic. Despite the lack of law enforcement protection, only one vehicle "blew past" the group crossing Rancho California Road.

Local Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Lake Elsinore) weighed in on the shooting of Alex Pretti on Monday in a post on X.

"The loss of life in Minnesota is a tragedy. Like any lethal use of force incident involving law enforcement, there should be a thorough review of the facts," Calvert wrote. "I continue to believe we can prevent future tragedies from occurring by separating people who want to exercise their constitutional right to protest with those conducting law enforcement. When interference with law enforcement occurs, it creates an incredibly dangerous situation for everyone."

Most importantly, commenters reminded residents to stay on top of their local representatives in the House and Senate. "Call your Senators and tell them not to fund ICE THIS JANUARY 30th."

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