Loveland's Vigil to Those Impacted by ICE

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Wednesday night, nearly 150 individuals braved the cold to remember and mourn those who have been killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as the families impacted by its actions. The candlelight vigil took place on the Old Loveland Bridge from 5:30–6:30 p.m.

The vigil was organized by a handful of Loveland residents in the wake of the latest killing of Alex Pretti, the ninth fatality attributed to ICE in 2026. This includes three shootings and six deaths in custody. Those remembered were Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Keith Porter, Parady La, Herber Sanchaz Dominguez, Victor Manuel Diaz, Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz, Luis Gustave Nunez Caceres, and Gerald Luna Campos.

When asked why she came out to the vigil, one woman said, “I felt it was important for our neighbors to see us and know that they are not alone.” Another participant shared, “Loveland is a tight-knit community where neighbors wave when they pass, may have gone to school together, and show up when tragedy strikes—like the downtown fire in 2017 that led to the creation of the Loveland Legacy Foundation.” Others said they attended because they felt helpless, angry, or scared living in the current climate.

Participants spanned several generations, from high school students to those in post-retirement, and included men and women from a wide range of economic levels. What brought this diverse group together was a shared desire to inspire hope and foster resilience.

-Terrie Puckett

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