Protest Against Migrant Detention Camps Scheduled In Livermore

LIVERMORE, CA — "Lights for Liberty: A Vigil to End Human Concentration Camps," is expected to bring thousands of protesters to streets across the nation Friday, including in Livermore. A local vigil to protest the "inhumane conditions for refugees in detention camps" is being held from 7:30-9 p.m. at the city's flagpole (First St. and Livermore Ave.), according to local event organizer Livermore Indivisible.

The Livermore vigil is being held in solidarity with groups across the nation that are joining Friday's Lights for Liberty movement. The protests come as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reportedly plans to begin nationwide raids this weekend to arrest migrant families. President Trump had promised to begin the raids last month, but then postponed the operation.

“They’ll be starting fairly soon, but I don’t call them raids, we’re removing people, all of these people who have come in over the years illegally,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday.

Lights for Liberty calls itself "a coalition of people, many of whom are mothers, dedicated to human rights, and the fundamental principle behind democracy that all human beings have a right to life, liberty and dignity. We are partnering with international, national, regional and local communities and organizations who believe that these fundamental rights are not negotiable and are willing to protect them."

Livermore Indivisible is a grassroots community organization "taking action to further progressive causes, preserve our democracy, and encourage civic engagement," according to its mission statement. "We support issues involving human rights, voting rights, education and the environment."

The Livermore group is asking participants planning to attend Friday's event to bring a candle or flashlight to illuminate the vigil. "If you can't join us, please place a light in a window or on your lawn to show your desire to end the camps," the organization said.