WATERTOWN – Approximately 200 people gathered in Watertown Square on Valentine’s Day for a rally titled “Resist With Love — ICE Out of Watertown,” organized by Indivisible Progressive Watertown and the Watertown Rapid Response Network.

Participants wore red and held signs promoting messages such as “Love Your Neighbor” and “Be Kind, Be Nice, Stop ICE.” The event featured music from the BVOCAL Chorus and included a reading of the names of people organizers said have been killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since January 2025.

Eileen Ryan, a member of the steering committee for Indivisible Progressive Watertown, said the group selected the date as part of its regular monthly actions and embraced the Valentine’s Day theme to emphasize compassion.

Ryan said ICE activity has increased in the region, citing reports that at least 100 people have been detained in neighboring Waltham. She said between nine and 12 people have been taken from Watertown.

Indivisible Progressive Watertown recently renamed from Progressive Watertown and is affiliated with Indivisible Massachusetts and the national Indivisible organization. Organizers said a new website is expected to launch in March.

The next Stand Out is scheduled for March 14 from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a “No Kings Day” event on March 28.

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