Students across the Coachella Valley led a walkout in protest of current ICE activity, the march from campus to city hall was held on Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. until noon.
This student-led protest was influenced by a national shutdown labeled as a “no work, no school, no shopping” strike. Hundreds of participants across the country advocated for the immediate removal of ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in response to the ICE-involved deaths in Minneapolis.
Local students organized the event via social media, deciding to walk to their respective city halls. Other students mentioned making and posting posters promoting the shutdown in campus bathrooms.
Eileen Gastello, a senior at La Quinta High School, recognized the success of organizing the event. “We try to connect social media as a bad thing, but we have proven to you once and twice again that social media is what we know best, and that’s how we spread the word. We use that to our ability…”
Some school faculty members sent emails to students the day before informing them about the potential dangers of the walk out. Other information shared clarified that their absences would not be excused, nor would their return to campus be acceptable.
“We have to stand up for people that are being taken away and murdered by ICE agents. We have to speak up and I don’t really care if I’m marked absent,” said Allison Martinez, a Cathedral City High School Student. “This is for the people and for the community!”
An ample amount of parents of students were seen protesting along side with their child. A few local businesses participated in the national strike by closing for the day as well. Other Coachella Valley adult locals were seen sporadically throughout the crowd, showing their support alongside students.
Multiple students were eager to explain their personal sentiments and reasons for participating:
“I feel like this is not what America is. America is a place where people are equal and have unity. We should not be discriminating against people based on their skin color, that is not what America should be,” said Brandon Polit, a Cathedral City High School student.
“I am here today because I have been against the actions of ICE and how they have been murdering people, taking away innocent people,” said Sofia Craig, a Palm Desert High School student. “It is important for me to be here, to use my voice, and speak for what’s right.”
“I feel bad for those who can’t speak up,” said Angelique Alvarez from Horizon School. “I feel bad for those that have built this country, had built houses and stuff, and they can’t be able to come out here to enjoy their life because they’re hiding.”
Students also shared that they are looking forward to another walkout on February 9th. They commented about having hope for more students and more schools to attend, as it is set to commence at 2 p.m., allowing others to join after school.
We’ll continue following developments surrounding the Feb. 9 walkout. Stay with The Chaparral for updates.
