By: Hannah Moore

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (UATV)  — A vigil was held on the Bentonville Square on Friday, Jan. 30, to honor the 31 documented lives lost to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Love Over Fear NWA held what they call a peaceful vigil from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for community members to honor the recent deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, as well as deaths attributed to ICE last year.

“We don’t want people to think we’re like crazy rioters or something,” Host Gabrielle Crouch said. “We’re just people who want to speak about what we believe is wrong going on in our country.”

Two pairs of shoes were displayed in honor of Pretti and Good. Attendees could light candles and place flowers and small gifts for the families of those who died. Guest speakers mentioned Pretti and Good by name and described their lives, detailing their backgrounds, work, and paths that shaped them.

An attendee, Ariane, stated why it was so important for her to be a part of the vigil.

“These people have a right to be here,” Ariane said. “Our country is made up of immigrants, and that’s what makes America so great.”

A 35-second moment of silence was held at the end of the vigil to honor the 31 lives lost. Host Crouch encouraged attendees to continue speaking out if they want to see change.

“If you feel something so passionately about what’s going on in America, if you love America right now, you will feel passionate about what’s happening currently,” Crouch said.