A solemn and peaceful crowd of about 200 people gathered Sunday evening at the Manhattan Beach pier for a candlelight vigil called in support of "immigrant rights and democracy." 

For local activists organized under the banner "South Bay Takes a Stand," the event was the second at the pier. In late June, the group quickly organized a march from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach and back to protest raids by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE).

"We have power when we show up together, peacefully and with hope," said organizer Tanya Monaghan. She called the candles that attendees held symbols of "community, of love and of the belief that light can and will overcome dark."

 

Nina Tarnay, who serves on city council but was appearing in a personal capacity, told the crowd of her own experience as an immigrant and refugee from Vietnam. She said her family came to America 45 years ago, when she was just 6 years old. 

"Our path was not easy, but we had hope," Tarnay said.

"We came here during a time when America opened its arms to our family, and as I look toward what's happening now, I am horrified by what I see," Tarnay added, speaking of immigration raids in which parents are separated from their children. "I hope that we can eventually turn the page and get back to where we were, where we open our arms to immigrants."

Local attorney Robert Simon, a founder of the "Justice Team" who represents some individuals and families impacted by headline-making immigration raids, urged residents to take a personal role.

"Manhattan Beach, we have a lot of superpowers," Simon said. "We're an affluent society. We have a lot of voice, a lot of people that will listen to us. Let's take that opportunity."

Simon urged the crowd to "record everything" and share details and facts on social media. 

After the speakers' remarks, attendees listened to music and shared stories.