More than 30 people and one loyal dog gathered Sunday, Nov. 2, on the front steps of Fort Myers City Hall for a candlelight vigil honoring immigrants who died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. <\/p>\n
The event coincided with D\u00eda de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. For Cassandra Molina, the connection was deeply personal.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust coming from a family of immigrants, I know the struggle,\u201d she said. \u201cI know firsthand what we face, what they face in the detention centers. So I just felt, especially on Day of the Dead, [it was important] to commemorate those who shouldn\u2019t have died.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Candlelight vigil for those who lost their lives in ICE detention on D\u00eda de los Muertos, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.<\/p>\n
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Candlelight vigil for those who lost their lives in ICE detention on D\u00eda de los Muertos, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.<\/p>\n
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Candlelight vigil for those who lost their lives in ICE detention on D\u00eda de los Muertos, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.<\/p>\n
Attendees lit candles, displayed a poster with the names of those who had died, and took turns speaking through a megaphone. Some came from as far as Naples.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need unity. We need power,\u201d Molina said. \u201cWe need more events like these to make a real change and have hope for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
The vigil had no single organizer and was shared online by several local advocacy groups. Similar events were held in other cities across the country.<\/p>\n