ICE Activity Leads To Candlelight Vigil In Summit

SUMMIT, NJ — A candlelight vigil was held in the City of Summit in solidarity with the victims of activity carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents around the United States.

On Jan. 24, 37-year-old Alex Pretti was shot dead during an altercation with agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This was the second deadly confrontation over just a few weeks in the state, after resident Renee Good was killed while driving her car near a group of agents.

More than 150 members of the Summit community joined together on Thursday night in "Shining a Light for Justice and Peace." A group of attendees walked from City Hall while singing and carrying candles to St. John's Lutheran Church, where they were met with other attendees, community organization leaders, and clergy.

Witnesses spoke about what it was like for them to see others threatened or taken away based on racial characteristics, while others shared their fear that they would be next.

"This vigil was about holding space for grief, but also for one another," the Shining a Light in Summit organizers said. "In a moment when many feel afraid and isolated, we came together to remind each other that no one is alone."

Attendees ended the night by lighting each other's candles and singing "This Little Light of Mine" before the candles were then laid together in unison.

Anyone looking for more information on additional events or how they can support immigrant neighbors in the City of Summit can contact shiningalightsummit@gmail.com.

City leaders, including Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, Police Chief Ryan Peters, and Summit Schools Superintendent Scott Hough also addressed the community on Thursday in a statement regarding the potential ICE activity around the area.

Read More On Summit's Message To Residents: ICE Activity Prompts Response From Leaders In Union County

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