Community Holds Vigil For U.S. Citizens Killed By ICE Agents In Somerset County

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The community came together on Saturday as part of a vigil by Our Revolution Hillsborough (ORH) to honor the memory of the U.S. citizens who lost their lives at the hands of ICE.

The vigil was held on Jan. 31 at the corner of Route 206 and Amwell Road. More than 50 people stayed for the duration of the event, with many more coming and going.

A representative of the Union of Rutgers Administrators (URA) was also present for the event.

A small group of counteractors showed up with a Confederate flag displayed in front of Hillsborough Elementary School and remained for the duration of the vigil, according to ORH.

"OHR would like to express their sincere gratitude for the Hillsborough Police Department, which remained on site for the entirety of the event to keep the attendees safe, in addition to Hillsborough Public Works, which tended to the sidewalks prior to the event," according to ORH.

During the vigil, pictures of US citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti, along with Keith Porter Jr., were used to represent all of those who have lost their lives.

Senator Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Roy Freiman, Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis, Commissioner Paul Drake, Commissioner Elizabeth Grainer, Committeewoman Jill Gomez, and Committeewoman Samantha Hand issued a joint statement:

On Friday, students at Hillsborough High School organized a walkout in response to ICE activity in Minneapolis and across the country. Their actions reflect a growing concern among young people and a deep commitment to justice, accountability, and human dignity.

We recognize the courage it takes to speak out against injustice and commend these students for exercising their constitutional right to peacefully protest. Their voices matter, and their engagement is a powerful reminder of the role youth play in shaping a more just society.

On the following day, community members and organizers gathered for a vigil to honor the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two U.S. citizens who were shot and killed by ICE agents. The vigil also recognized others who have lost their lives in connection with ICE activity. As of Jan. 28, there have been eight reported deaths associated with ICE and detention facilities.

We thank the Hillsborough Police Department, who were present for the vigil to ensure safety after receiving threats from counter-protestors. Additionally, we thank the Hillsborough Department of Public Works for plowing the sidewalks in preparation for the vigil.

The events that unfolded in Hillsborough are part of a broader national reckoning over ICE’s oppressive tactics and the profound human consequences of immigration enforcement’s impact on citizens and non-citizens alike.

In moments like these, the voices of students and community members remind us that progress is born from empathy, civic engagement, and the courage to stand up for one another. “The enthusiasm of youth is the spark that lights the fires of progress.”

— Daisaku Ikeda, Japanese Buddhist philosopher, educator, and author

Hillsborough Mayor Catherine Payne also issued a statement supporting the right to organize and protest on Facebook:

"Many of you reached out to me in various ways because of yesterday's protests. It is a beautiful thing. It is why our country is sought after and the best on the globe to live in. PD knew, BOE knew, and your child's safety was always the priority. So is their freedom. This is a great opportunity for Civic Teachers to capture and teach. For kitchen table discussions to occur. I truly hope those opportunities weren't missed.

Silent protests because you want to stand in your class for 10 minutes in solidarity for something (much preferred when it's colder than a polar plunge outside), boycotting a store for something you don't like, standing on the streets with signs...are awesome do it. Because you can. Because you can't in almost any other country. Learn from it. And make it a learning moment. Don't fight over who did or who didn't; why they did or why they didn't. Talk. Listen. Understand. Appreciate that we can!"

Previous reporting: Students To Walk Out Of School To Protest ICE Raids In Somerset County

Our Revolution Hillsborough is reminding "community members to write to their state representatives and legislators, holding them responsible to make sure ICE is no longer funded and held responsible for their actions."

For more information on Our Revolution Hillsborough, follow Instagram @ourrevolutionboro and on Facebook. To volunteer with ORH, email ourrevolutionboro@gmail.com.

— Submitted by Our Revolution Hillsborough