Gathering at McHenry County Jail for Lights for Liberty Vigil

The Lights for Liberty Vigil to End Human Detention Camps this Friday July 12 from 7:30 to 9 pm at the McHenry County Jail will attract hundreds of participants from the Chicago area and Northern Illinois. This is the main Chicagoland Lights for Liberty event as McHenry County Jail houses ICE detainees, adult immigrants awaiting status hearings, appeals, or deportation orders, who have been rounded up across Northern Illinois.

The event is open to the public and one of over 500 events nation-wide. It is organized by a coalition of local organizations and activists who are dedicated to human rights, and the fundamental principle behind democracy that all human beings have a right to life, liberty and dignity and are willing to protect these fundamental rights.

According to Patrick Murfin, an organizer of the Woodstock event and co-chair of the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation Social Justice Team, “there is a groundswell of interest in the event after disclosures of shocking conditions and abuse in holding facilities for children and President Trump’s threat of massive raids, terrifying to many immigrant communities.”

The event will begin with a rally on the grassy area across from the jail along Seminary Avenue—Route 47—in Woodstock between Ware Road and Russel Court. Speakers will highlight aspects of the abusive system including border detention camps, children and separated families, sexual abuse and violence, the increased hurdles for applying for asylum, and the special dangers faced by LGBTQ persons.

At 9 pm the candle light vigil will begin, coordinating with other actions across the country. Participants are urged to bring friends, signs and candles.

The event is co-sponsored by Indivisible Illinois, Indivisible Brookfield, Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants (ICDI), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC-IL), McHenry County Democratic Party, McHenry County Democratic Women’s Club, McHenry County National Organization for Women (NOW), McHenry County Progressives, Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), Woodstock Pride, and the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation Social Justice Team.

Parking will be available in the Northwood Junior High school lot across Rt. 47, in the County Health Clinic parking lot at the corner of Ware Road and Rt. 47, and along Russel Court. No parking will be permitted in the Jail lot. Marshalls in reflective vests will be available to assist.

For more information visit the Facebook Event, email pmurfin@sbcglobal.net, or call 815 814-5645.