Rural Arizona Engagement and Pinal County Neighbors Hold Vigil at EloyDetention Center to Honor Victims of Immigration Enforcement

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ELOY, AZ – Youth, elders, families , and longtime community activists from across Pinal County gathered Saturday, January 31 outside the Eloy Detention Center for a peaceful vigil organized by Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE) and local neighbors to honor those who have lost their lives due to immigration enforcement and detention.

Community members stood together, listened to speakers, and took part in a reading of names of individuals who died in detention or during enforcement actions. After each name, the crowd responded “presente,” ensuring their lives and stories were remembered.

The vigil specifically honored René Good and Alex Pretti, whose recent deaths have heightened concerns about the human impact of aggressive immigration enforcement.

Speakers throughout the evening reflected on both grief and responsibility.

Longtime Arizona community activist Roberto Reveles, 93, shared his experience growing up in a segregated rural town and organizing for civil rights across generations. He encouraged young people to stay engaged and lead the work ahead, reminding the crowd that lasting change has always come from communities standing together.

Victoria Lopez, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arizona, spoke about the injustice and inhumane treatment people face inside detention centers, calling attention to the conditions families and individuals endure while in custody. She emphasized the need for dignity, civil rights, and accountability from government agencies. “We the people will hold these agencies accountable,” Lopez said. “We will keep our communities safe, and we will hold this administration accountable for how people are treated.”

Speakers also referenced recent reports of excessive force in Phoenix and immigration enforcement activity near hospitals in Casa Grande and Cottonwood, emphasizing that places of care should remain safe spaces for families.

To help ensure a calm and supportive environment, trained community safety volunteers were present throughout the vigil to assist attendees and support peaceful participation.

In closing remarks, Pablo Correa, founder and Executive Director of RAZE, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting rural communities in moments of crisis.

 “We’re not just an organization that sends emails or statements,” Correa said. “When something happens in our towns, we show up. We show up with support, with resources, and with each other, because that’s what community looks like.”

 He also announced upcoming Rise and Resist community safety and legal observation trainings that will travel to towns across Arizona to help residents know their rights and protect one another.

The evening concluded with a moment of silence and a call for continued civic engagement and neighbor-to-neighbor support.

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