COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. – A vigil was held in Cottage Grove as community members rallied in support of individuals recently taken into custody by ICE agents. Among those detained was a local business owner who faced temporary detention.
The demonstration took place at Coiner Park, organized by the Cottage Grove Friends of Democracy. The group aimed to protest what they describe as brutality and violence by ICE agents in the city.
“We will not stand for it. We are going to motivate and mobilize and we will protect our community to the best of our abilities while staying safe at the same time,” said Elaine Burns of Cottage Grove Friends of Democracy.
In response to the events, Homeland Security provided a statement on the ICE activity. They clarified that agents were not targeting random individuals.
According to the statement, nine undocumented individuals were arrested in Cottage Grove, with one additional arrest occurring in Eugene.
