Alki Vigil
People gather at Alki’s Statue of Liberty Thursday, Jan. 9th, 2026, to remember three victims of Federal agents. Photograph copyright Jennifer L Hall, all rights reserved.
By Natalie Fobes and Laurie Rinehardt
On a cold, windy night, 1656 miles from Minneapolis where a day earlier an ICE agent murdered Renee Nicole Good, more than 100 people held a vigil in West Seattle to honor her life, and mourn her death. We gathered again around the Statue of Liberty on Alki where six months ago, we stood at this same spot, trying to make sense of what was happening in our country after the passage of Trump’s One Big Beautiful (Bad) Bill.
“And here we are again,” said Laurie Reinhardt, from West Seattle Indivisible’s Leadership Team. “Look at what’s happened in the last 36 hours. In the last 36 hours, ICE killed Renee Nicole Good. Later that same day, they raided (Minneapolis’) Roosevelt High School. They used pepper spray and threw people down on the ground. And they terrorized high school students.”
“And then today, what happened today?” she asked. “In Portland, two more people were shot (by Customs and Border Patrol agents.)”
“We have to find a way to keep people safe.”
“So tonight, we’re going to take some time, to be in community, hold space for one another, hold space for those who have experienced harm, those who are grieving, and give us an opportunity to heal during 15 minutes of silence. And after that, we will share our thoughts with one another.”
Waves lapped against the seawall twenty feet away in the dark. Leaves rustled. People held candles, votives, signs and each other’s hands. Some cried. And when the silence was broken, people spoke from their hearts.
Two Asian American women spoke of being afraid that they might be targeted. One of them described her father’s childhood in a Puyallup area internment camp during WWII.
Mothers said they were afraid for their children’s generation. Teachers spoke of declining civics education. A high school student was grateful for their teachers but is concerned for their own future.
A Hispanic permanent resident spoke of her great love for this country but how she is now being traumatized by fear. She told of being stopped by a motorcycle cop for a minor traffic violation and how she was afraid she would be detained although she is here legally. She wonders and worries if there will be another stop, and if she will be taken away then.
Toward the end of the sharing, a Duwamish elder came forward. He spoke first in his native language and then translated for us. He shared wisdom from his great-, great-, great-, great-, great-grandfather, Chief Seatlh. He said his people continue to welcome all peoples as they have done from the very beginning. His words were cathartic and powerful.
When all the words were said, the tears shed, and the sense of community restored, the group sang Amazing Grace.
We left with a renewed commitment to resist and continue the fight for our country.
