Louisiana Voice

A coalition of civil rights, immigrant justice, faith leaders and community organizations will host a peaceful vigil on Saturday, August 8, at 6:00 p.m. at the pedestrian footbridge over Highway 165 at the intersection of MLK Jr. Drive and Renwick Street in Monroe. The event is part of the National Day of Action, joining communities across the country–including New Orleans and Alexandria, LA, San Marcos, TX, Newark, NJ, and New York City, NY.

The vigil is being organized to stand in solidarity with immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and families affected by immigration detention and enforcement policies. Organizers invite members of the public to attend, bringing candles, flowers, and signs in support of the cause.

Coalition Demands

Participating organizations are calling for the following demands:

●     Free all people currently held in immigration detention and close immigration detention centers.

●     Hold local, state, and federal leadership accountable for harm caused by immigration enforcement policies.

●     Enact comprehensive immigration reform and end deportation flights.

●     End attacks on Temporary Protected Status (TPS), refugees, and asylum seekers.

●     Free political prisoners.

●     Recognize that migration is a human right and affirm that no human being is illegal.

●     Support a nationwide general strike to pressure policymakers to shut down ICE and permanently close immigration detention centers.

●     End the 287(g) Memorandum of Understanding between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local law enforcement including Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and West Monroe Police Department.

●     Secure the release of Anderson, a teenager currently being held at the RichwoodDetention Center.

Peaceful Community Gathering

Organizers emphasize that the vigil is intended to be a peaceful, family-friendly gathering centered on remembrance, solidarity, and advocacy. Speakers are expected to address the harm of immigration detention on families, discuss proposed policy reforms, and encourage continued civic engagement on immigration issues.

Community members are encouraged to attend, bring candles and flowers in remembrance of the individuals who have been killed by ICE. Organizers are also requesting participants bring a bag of rice or beans to donate to local hunger relief initiatives.

Endorsing Organizations

This event is endorsed by:

●     Indivisible North Louisiana

●     CENLA Activism

●     Baton Rouge Indivisible

●     Freedom Mavericks Indivisible

●     Tangipahoa Indivisible

●     St. Tammany Indivisible

●     Louisiana Advocates for Immigrants in Detention

●     Southeast Dignity Not Detention Coalition

●     Ouachita Parish/Monroe NAACP