A deadly confrontation involving ICE agents in Minnesota has sparked protests and vigils across the country, including in Tallahassee.
“I was a little devastated to see that there was a loss of life,” said advocate Brandon Beckett.
As the sun set over the Capitol complex, more than 100 neighbors held candles and signs and waved to passing cars.
Drivers honked and called out words of support.
The vigil was organized by the Tallahassee Immigrant Rights Alliance following the death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis earlier this week. Good was shot and killed during an encounter with ICE agents, sparking protests and calls for accountability across multiple states.
Neighbor Barbara Wilson says the vigil was both a moment of remembrance and a way for people of all ages to have a voice in the conversation about federal immigration enforcement and its local impact.
“I hope I truly, truly hope that young people get more involved. I want to see — last time I was out here, it was a couple of months ago, and there were some students from FSU and FAMU, and I just thanked him because young people have to understand that it’s not gonna get fixed if they don’t stand up too,” Wilson said.
Florida has expanded its partnership with federal immigration authorities over the past year, including policies that encourage cooperation between local and federal agencies.
Advocate Brandon Beckett says Good’s death should prompt a broader national conversation at home and abroad about use of force and who is at risk during immigration operations.
“I think the people in Tallahassee need to stand up and push back against the city, the state and the federal government to make sure this doesn’t happen,” Beckett said.
The Department of Homeland Security has said Good, a U.S. citizen and mother, tried to hit ICE agents with her vehicle. Witnesses in Minnesota have disputed that claim, saying she was trying to drive away from the agents.
Organizers say Thursday night’s vigil is just the beginning of a larger conversation they hope continues in Tallahassee and beyond.
Video of the vigil is available on WTXL.
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