Protesters Rally Against ICE Raids In MA Statehouse Demonstration

BOSTON — Hundreds are expected to gather on the steps of the State House Friday at 7 p.m. for the Boston Lights for Liberty candlelight vigil. It's one of dozens planned across the state in response to the Trump administration's vow to order U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids this weekend.

Boston Lights for Liberty is one of more than 500 "Lights for Liberty" vigils planned around the world on July 12 and organizers anticipate it may be the largest in the state with a number of elected officials in attendance. Senate President Karen Spilka plans to attend a vigil in Framingham and U.S. Rep. and presidential candidate Seth Moulton plans to attend one tonight in Salem. U.S. Rep Joe Kennedy is scheduled to speak in Newton.

More than 1,000 indicated online they planned to attend the Boston event and thousands of people have indicated they're "interested." During the event, attendees will light candles and mourn immigrants who died, demand an end to detention centers, and learn how to take action in the fight for immigrant rights, according to organizers.

Nearly 40 community organizations signed on as sponsors of the event and speakers will include formerly undocumented immigrants and others working to stop deportations, end family separation and fight for the rights for immigrants.

Organizers will also be asking elected officials across the commonwealth to sign a pledge to pursue legislation that protects the human and civil rights of all people regardless of immigration status, including An Act Relative to Work and Family Mobility, also known as the "Driver’s License Bill" and the Safe Communities Act.

Activists on Saturday are set to hold a "day of action" Saturday. Action for Immigrant Lives, a coalition of organizations, will host meetings with local experts on immigration policy and immigrant rights for those who register.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).