Protesters Gather at Batavia ICE Detention Center

Demonstrators hold 39-minute silent vigil to honor those who have died in ICE custody

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Around 100 protesters gathered at the ICE detention center in Batavia, New York on Sunday to speak out against the agency. Instead of chanting, the group held a 39-minute moment of silence to honor those who have died in ICE custody or during protests. Many participants carried signs condemning ICE, and the crowd later sang "This Little Light of Mine." No counter-protesters were observed at the event.

Why it matters

The protest highlights ongoing concerns and activism around the treatment of immigrants and those in ICE detention centers. Batavia is home to one of the largest ICE detention facilities in the Northeast, making it a focal point for demonstrations against the agency's policies and practices.

The details

The protest at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia was notably quiet, with participants choosing to observe a 39-minute moment of silence rather than chanting. Many held signs condemning ICE, and the crowd sang "This Little Light of Mine" after the silent vigil. No counter-protesters were observed at the event.

  • The protest took place on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Eric Van Der Karr

A protester who said many politicians are not being vocal enough in representing people's concerns about ICE.

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What they’re saying

“Generally, everyone I think wants to get their voice out. I think a lot of politicians on both sides of the aisle are really not really being vocal as you know representing people very well. I think everyone's feeling pretty vocal about it, but a lot of politicians aren't being vocal about it to represent us, so kind of getting out showing people that you know this is something that people feel really strongly about it should be taken seriously.”

— Eric Van Der Karr, Protester (News10NBC)

The takeaway

The protest in Batavia reflects the ongoing activism and public concern around the treatment of immigrants and those in ICE detention centers, with demonstrators using silent vigils and other forms of peaceful protest to make their voices heard when they feel political leaders are not adequately addressing these issues.