350 Mobilized in 48 Hours to Build a Community Resilient to ICE in Midst of Nationwide Mobilization

January 11, 2026

Mesa, Arizona – In response to the murder of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota, vigils erupted nationwide Wednesday night. Continuing the momentum, on Thursday night more vigils and marches sprouted up around the country. This comes as DHS is reportedly scaling up operations in the Phoenix area. This week, a coalition of groups announced the ICE Out For Good nationwide mass mobilization. We are coming together as a community to build neighborhoods more resilient to ICE’s unconstitutional and cruel practices. 

East Valley Unite organized an event to do just that this Sunday. 350 people showed up after the event was announced only 48 hours prior. On January 11 in Mesa, both a protest and an information distribution event took place. A supportive presence of immigrants in this area served to help the surrounding community feel less isolated. At the same event, East Valley Unite also organized a distribution of educational material about constitutional rights to surrounding communities. These rights apply to any person in the country, and a more aware community can defend against illegal detainment, helping the people who should not be taken, from being kidnapped by ICE. Information was given to nearby businesses, to let them know what they can and can’t do in the event of an ICE raid. 

The East Valley is making it clear that ICE is not welcome in our communities. The murder of a mother is unacceptable on every level, and claims of this being a case of self defense by the administration are false and inappropriate. The community is making sure DHS and the administration don’t take control of the narrative and spread disinformation. We are sending a message loud and clear that we demand accountability. We are preparing, educating, and ready to stand up for our neighbors, and fight back.