ALTON - Dozens of people gathered in downtown Alton to memorialize Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis woman who was shot and killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last week.
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On Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, community members met at Lincoln Douglas Square in Alton for a candlelight vigil in honor of Good. The organizer, who wished to remain anonymous, pointed to the event’s community feel as a major reason why they felt it was important to plan the vigil.
“It was something that became abundantly clear, almost immediately even upon announcing the vigil was happening, that it was something our community needed,” the organizer said. “So many people were able to speak and pay respects and feel all these emotions that I’m sure many of us don’t know what to do with or how to handle or maybe don’t feel safe to carry alone.”
The organizer pointed out that over 30 people died in ICE custody in 2025, according to ICE statistics. Good’s death, which was the focus of the Jan. 10 vigil, has sparked vigils and protests across the country.
The organizer added that one speaker talked about the importance of “knowing the people in your community” and encouraged the crowd to introduce themselves to one another.
A few local organizations are planning a community safety meeting in Alton for February. They hope this meeting will further facilitate a sense of community. They are currently seeking speakers and compiling resources.
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