Lake County witnessed five demonstrations over the weekend, responding to the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis and the wounding of two individuals by Border Patrol in Portland. Rev. Quincy Worthington urged people to oppose the growing “authoritarianism and fascism” in the U.S., while Rabbi Ike Serotta echoed the need for public outcry against these actions.
Hundreds gathered for vigils and protests across Barrington, North Chicago, Highland Park, Waukegan, and Lake Zurich, highlighting ongoing immigration enforcement issues under the Trump administration. Dulce Ortiz, executive director of Mano a Mano Family Services, emphasized the chaos caused by aggressive enforcement, particularly pointing to the tragic death of Good, who was shot while alerting others about ICE.
At a vigil in Highland Park, Native American musician Ronnie Preston honored Good, with attendees recalling incidents of ICE detaining Native Americans based on their appearance. Speakers like Claire Dietz and Carmen Patlan discussed the devastating effects of immigration enforcement on families, noting the fear and separation it causes.
The weekend of protests began on Friday in Barrington, where community members gathered for a candlelight vigil. Despite low local enforcement activity, organizers felt compelled to act after Good’s death. More than 250 attendees also rallied in North Chicago, calling for a louder opposition to the oppressive tactics of ICE.
On Sunday, a smaller vigil in Waukegan featured a somber tribute to Good, using candles to honor victims of immigration enforcement. Similarly, a vigil was held in Lake Zurich, continuing the call for justice and action against what some perceive as an “illiberal” and “totalitarian” approach to immigration.
