“ICE melts under resistance,” this powerful statement rings true as students across Los Angeles County take to the streets, protesting the mass deportations and ICE raids that have intensified since President Donald Trump took office. Schools all over LA County have been rallying behind this cause, and the protests are a testament to the growing resistance to these policies.
Peaceful protests, as championed by leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., have long been a powerful tool for social change. Dr. King believed in the power of nonviolent action to challenge injustice and inspire change. In the spirit of his philosophy, today’s youth are following suit, standing up with courage and conviction to resist policies that they believe are unjust. They are doing so peacefully, letting their voices be heard without resorting to violence or hostility, just as King envisioned.
On Tuesday, February 4, several hundred high school students from LAUSD schools walked out of their classrooms and headed toward the streets. Their protest was in response to the mass deportations and ICE raids that have become all too common under the current administration.
And just days later, on February 7, students from across LA County, including MACES high school students, participated in another walkout. At 11:30 AM that Friday, students left their classrooms unified in their cause to protest the administration’s deportation efforts.
What they expressed was more than just frustration, it was a unified empowerment. Students felt the weight of the cause, but also the strength that comes from standing together in solidarity. When asked how they felt during the protests, their responses were filled with pride and conviction:
“It’s so empowering to see the youth of our community stand up for something they believe in,” Emely Cardenas, a senior from MACES, said. “It’s about change,” Marlon Perdomo, another senior from MACES, said. “I get to speak out for my family who can’t speak out,” expressed another protestor. “Powerful,” “empowered,” and “prideful” were common sentiments shared by many who participated.
The diversity of the protestors was striking to say the least. Students from all backgrounds came together, united by a common purpose. As one student described, they felt “alegre” (joyful) and “fortunato” (fortunate) to be part of something larger than themselves.
However, this movement cannot be a one-time occurrence. Many protesters would agree and argue that protesting and advocating for one’s beliefs should be a lifelong commitment. Moreover, the issues that brought these students into the streets are far from over as President Donald Trump continues to reinforce commitment towards mass deportations, with the fight for immigrant rights and justice continues.
As the Wolfpack Times stands alongside these students, we must remember that it’s not enough to participate in one protest or post on social media. We must continue to inform ourselves by keeping up with the news, educating others with credible information, and taking action whenever injustice arises as change is a long road, and it takes constant effort from all of us to push forward.
Many of us share the heritage of immigrant families and the dreams they carried here. That dream was under attack and it’s our responsibility to speak out, show up, and remind each other: we belong.
