ICE Out Protest - 1/10/2026

El Dorado County residents concerned by the recent invasion of Venezuela by the current presidential administration, as well as the killing of Renee Nicolle Good by ICE in Minneapolis, Minnesota, gathered together Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Courthouse on Main Street exercising their First Amendment right to demonstrate their opposition. According to Greg Bergantz, a member of the Leadership Team of Indivisible El Dorado, approximately 350 locals participated- holding signs, waving to passing motorists, and singing songs in the late afternoon sunshine. Bergantz commented that It was a pleasure for Indivisible El Dorado to work with May Day Strong, the group that initiated the event. Together, in about 48 hours, they organized the details and spread the word.

"This was an opportunity for all in the community to stand up against this un-American treatment of its citizens. I was so proud that so many people came out on such short notice to say that we are better than this. What has happened is horribly wrong,"expressed Jenny Wilson, also on the Indivisible El Dorado Leadership Team.

A vigil for Renee Nicolle Good was held as a part of the demonstration from 4:30-5:00. Reverend Deborah Sabino of the Placerville Episcopalian Church of our Savior opened the vigil. She was followed by Karen Wells, a member of Indivisible El Dorado who led those gathered as they repeated first the name of Renee Nicolle Good. This was followed by Lorraine Towne reading the names of the 32 people who have died while in ICE custody, making it the agency's deadliest year in over two decades. Wells also read a letter from Renee's wife, a moving tribute to the deceased. Some people held candles in loving tribute..

"What we showed today was Every Life Matters and so does our Democracy." concluded Chris Belmer of Indivisible El Dorado.