All around the United States right now there is outrage in response to the presence and actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement in communities. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, there’s been an increased focus in policy surrounding immigration.
One of his major campaign promises was to crack down on illegal immigration, and he wasted no time. ICE raids started shortly after his inauguration and began operating at unprecedented levels. Not only have they increased in frequency, but the rapid expansion of those caught in the detention system has led to an increased number of people being held in detention centers.
The profile for those being arrested has changed under the Trump Administration, and more people are being detained than ever. “At-large” arrests have increased by 600%. Raids are happening at worksites, farms, factories, construction sites, and businesses. ICE agents are operating at levels that have never been seen before.
When foreign government bodies start showing up in communities in unmarked vehicles, covering their faces, pulling neighbors and loved ones out of their homes, there is an adverse public reaction. People get sad, and then they get angry.
Protests towards ICE and the Trump administration are happening all around the country. Demonstrations are happening on large scales, like in Minneapolis with as many as 50,000 people, and on smaller scales, like in public schools.
From New Jersey, to Baltimore, Salt Lake County, New York City, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Oklahoma, Georgia, Connecticut, and more, thousands of high schools are taking a stand.
High schools everywhere have different rules and guidelines about what the students are allowed to do. Students are minors, and depending on the school, state, and its guidelines, these situations can be treated differently.
Some schools are supportive of efforts, and others threaten strict disciplinary measures. Some states, such as Texas, directly threatened schools themselves, saying that if districts supported student protests, a state takeover could ensue. Students walked out anyway.
Walkouts are the most prevalent form of protest. These protests are nonviolent, direct, and send a clear message. Walkouts have been used in schools for many other movements. Walkouts for the Black Lives Matter movement and against gun violence have also been widespread in recent years. Students leave their classrooms at the same time and walk along the boundaries of the school and out into the community, rallying with signs and chanting messages.
In the greater Philadelphia area alone, multiple schools have had walkouts and protests. In Lansdale PA, North Penn High School had 125 participants in their student led walkout. The event was organized via instagram account.
These events are not school sanctioned, and are student organized and led. Students are taking it upon themselves to make their voices heard. In my opinion, protesting at school is an opportunity to express this voice, especially at an age where you can feel powerless within your community. I think that it also aims to give a voice to those who cannot express it themselves.
High school students, those under 18, are not represented in government. They can’t vote. They didn’t ask for this. But that doesn’t mean this doesn’t affect them. In October of last year, 16 year old Arnoldo Bazan was assaulted by ICE officers in Houston. Even after telling them he was underage, they continued to choke him, and took his cell phone that he used to take a video of the encounter.
This is an issue that affects everyone. There are no limits. Children are being detained. Teenagers are being detained. U.S. citizens are being detained and held without opportunity to show their status. Families are being broken apart. People are dying. High schoolers taking such a stand signifies just how serious of an issue this is to all Americans. They are setting an example to make your voice heard, and to stand up when you believe something isn’t right.