Local organizations are holding a community vigil this Saturday following the shooting death of a Minneapolis woman and local impacts from federal raids.
Indivisible Columbus and Indivisible Phenix City are hosting a “ICE Out for Good: Community Vigil and National Day of Action” event at 7 p.m. eastern standard time on Saturday, January 10, 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at the intersection of Armour Road and Manchester Expressway.
The event follows the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. Citizen. Good was fatally shot by an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agent.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Good was obstructing law enforcement, disobeying commands, and attempting to use her vehicle in a manner that posed a threat to an agent standing in front of it.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, other local officials, and eyewitnesses disputed those claims, stating Good drove her vehicle forward and veered away from the agent. Those officials described the agent’s actions as unjustified. The investigation into Good’s death is ongoing by federal officials.
Organizers also cited the concern about ICE raids and impacts felt locally. Since the beginning of the second Trump administration, ICE raids have “doubled” or “tripled” in some states, according to a July 2025 White House report. In 2025, numerous restaurants in Auburn, Opelika, and other East Alabama cities were raided following an investigation centered around PPP fraud, drug trafficking, and immigration violations.
During those raids locally and across the United States, some detainees were sent to one of the largest immigration detention facilities in the United States of America: Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, which is nearly an hour south of Columbus.
Organizers say some detainees experienced “harsh, shackled conditions” on ICE flights which have been routed through the Columbus Airport. ICE and Department of Homeland Security has denied numerous claims from national organizations about conditions within detention centers. ICE officials say “they provide comprehensive medical care” and “that the safety and well-being of detainees are priorities.“
Organizers also pointed at Fort Benning, which is used for tactical training for agents.
In a 2025 article, ICE Division Chief, Bert Medina, said they “train experienced law enforcement personnel in the use of force and existing weapons in application of force.”
“While also providing law enforcement instructors “the skills and abilities to teach use of force and defensive techniques with and without weapons so they can prepare ICE officers on the front lines of federal law enforcement to perform their duties safely and in accordance with standards,” Medina said.
Indivisible Columbus and Phenix City believe the training at Fort Benning “affects families nationwide.”
Organizers say their event will be peaceful and family-friendly. Participants are encouraged to bring candles, signs, and messages of hope.
