On Friday, July 12 Lights for Liberty vigil took place in downtown Phoenix. The rally began at the Central United Methodist Church directly across the street from the ICE field office. Phoenix was one of more than 700 cities worldwide that hosted demonstrations.

Several guest speakers including Eddie Chavez Calderon, Reverend Erin Tomayo and member of the Arizona House of Representatives, Isela Blanc addressed the assembly relating their personal experiences of immigrating to the United States and the deplorable conditions in U.S. detention centers.

At 9 o clock local time the candlelight vigil began when protestors relocated in front of the ICE field office.

Chanting protestors carrying lights and signs called for the end of ICE and closure of detention centers across the country.

When protestors spilled onto central avenue, obstructing traffic Phoenix Police Department dressed in Riot gear, moved into contain the demonstrators.

For approximately two hours Phoenix Police repeatedly warned the crowd they could be subject to arrest if they continued to block traffic. Eventually, 16 individuals were arrested for suspicion of unlawful assembly and obstructing a public thoroughfare.

Charges were dismissed for all but two protestors who were charged on suspicion of aggravated assault on a police officer when they attempted to prevent officers from arresting other demonstrators.