The Final Vigil at Alligator Alcatraz
By Jose Mejia
On Sunday, June 21, the final vigil was held outside Alligator Alcatraz.
Since we first began showing up and reporting there, we met incredible people and witnessed countless moments of resilience. There were times when people felt hopeless, times when families cried, and times when strangers embraced one another in solidarity.
The interfaith vigil brought together a remarkable community—from Betty Osceola to Arianne Betancourt. Seeing Justo Betancourt there after spending months in detention, and Mr. Robert Hilliard, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, standing in solidarity, was a powerful reminder of why people kept coming back week after week.
We saw organizations like The Workers Circle provide hope when it was needed most, offering legal assistance, support for families, and a sense of community during difficult times.
We are grateful to have been part of this history. For nearly 50 weeks, we stood alongside this community almost every Sunday, documenting the fight for freedom, dignity, and justice.
Alligator Alcatraz will soon be shut down.
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