McHenry County Candlelight Vigils Will Protest Migrant Camps

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Lights for Liberty: A Vigil To End Human Concentration camps will hold candlelight vigils on Friday, July 12, in locations throughout the country. Vigils are planned in Crystal Lake and Woodstock, according to the group's website. The goal of the vigils, according to the Lights for Liberty, is to protest the inhumane conditions of migrant camps along the U.S. southern border. Key events are planned in El Paso, Texas, Homestead, Fla., San Diego, Calif.; New York City; and Washington, D.C.

The vigil in Crystal Lake will be held at "The Pointe" near Target, 5650 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. According to the event Facebook page, participants are welcome to begin arriving at 7:15 p.m, and everyone will gather on the sidewalk, across the street from “The Pointe.

Legislators, activists, organizers and members of impacted communities will speak prior to the vigils.

According to the event Facebook page, the planned agenda for the vigil includes speakers, readings, songs, and a "Call to Action" to end the evening.

Organizers as participants to please bring:

• Posters in support of the event, adding that "posters with profanity or demeaning comments will not be a part of this event."
• Small flashlight: "We will use flashlights, rather than candles, during the vigil.
• Water to drink.
• Wear comfortable shoes.

The site is wheelchair accessible, and more info. and updates can be found via Lights for Liberty (Crystal Lake, IL).

Over in Woodstock, a rally and vigil is planned to take place outside the McHenry County Jail from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., which serves as a Federal Immigrant Detention facility. Participants will rally on the grassy area across from the jail along Route 47 in Woodstock between Ware Road and Russel Court, the event Facebook page said. Parking will be available in the Northwood Junior High school lot across Route 47, and all are encouraged to bring a friend, a sign and a candle.