Palm Desert Candlelight Vigil Honors Lives Lost in ICE Enforcement

Tonight at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church there will be a candlelight vigil beginning at 6 p.m. to honor people who have died as a result of recent immigration enforcement actions by federal agents. Organizers are inviting the public to join the ceremony on the church’s front steps in Palm Desert.

The vigil aims not only to remember those who passed away in incidents tied to immigration enforcement, including recent fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, but also to stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees who may feel fearful amid heightened enforcement efforts.

Earlier protests and vigils in cities across the U.S. have drawn attention to the deaths of individuals like Renée Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in early January 2026, triggering nationwide demonstrations and vigils to mourn her and other victims.

In advance of tonight’s event, Reverend Andrew Butler, director of the church, told reporters that the ceremony is intended as a moral and compassionate response rather than a political statement. He emphasized that supporting dignity and humane treatment for all individuals can coexist with respect for law enforcement and law and order.

The vigil will feature candles and moments of reflection as participants come together to acknowledge lives lost and to show care for vulnerable members of the community. Local coverage will follow live as the event begins.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.