Montgomery Freedom Fighters Plan Candlelight Vigil

The Montgomery 50501 Freedom Fighters will host a candlelight vigil outside the governor’s mansion on Saturday, August 2nd, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, as part of a coordinated national action day.

This vigil aims to honor those detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including both US citizens and immigrants, while protesting the ongoing expansion of current detention practices under the federal government. The organizers want to disrupt “normal business” in Alabama, where many Republican leaders remain silent amid growing constitutional and humanitarian issues.

“This administration is violent, authoritarian, and illegal, but our resistance is stronger than their fear. We won’t sit by and wait to be saved. We will close it,” remarked a spokesperson.

The event will include chants, music, and symbolic actions. Participants will light candles to remember those who have died in ICE custody and those who vanished within the system, emphasizing the plight of individuals “abducted and erased” by federal enforcement.

The Montgomery demonstrations are part of the larger 50501 movement, which is a grassroots initiative advocating for non-violent resistance against what they see as oppressive policies concerning immigrants, LGBTQ+ rights, bodily autonomy, and democratic values.

The governor’s mansion was chosen as the protest location to highlight the complicity of Alabama leadership. Governor Kay Ivey has either condemned or remained silent regarding the ICE operations, which continue to escalate the detention of US citizens in immigrant sweeps, even with mounting evidence of rights violations.

“We’re not just being taken away; we’re fighting for our lives,” Lisa G stated firmly. “We won’t follow. We won’t stop. We resist.”

Candlelight vigils are open to all, and attendees are encouraged to bring candles, signs, and determination.