Students gathered in the Makerspace at 754 S. Wabash Ave. this week to create protest signs ahead of a citywide walkout Friday, Feb. 13 opposing federal immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities.
Using cardboard as their canvas, students wrote “ICE MELTS” and “ICE OUT” to protest against the federal government’s crackdown on immigration in sanctuary cities.
The walkout, organized by the activist group Dare to Struggle, is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Student Center before participants march to Federal Plaza. Organizers say students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Jones College Prep and other Chicago schools plan to attend.
“It’s effective because it lets students have a voice,” said Maeve Kelly, a senior fashion design major who plans to participate in the walkout.
Galilea Diaz, a junior film and television major, said the increased enforcement has disrupted daily life.
To her, the movement against the actions of the federal government are “powerful and impactful.”
“I wanted to be a part of it and make statements as well,” she said.
Diaz said that she knows people who are too scared to speak out and sympathizes with them. Amid these fears, though, she feels the need to take action.
“We have been limited in what we can say,” Diaz said. “We need to come together and speak up.”
Ceazia Campbell, a first-year illustration major, said she is nervous about the march because of recent issues surrounding walkouts. A high school walkout on Monday, Feb. 9 in suburban Aurora resulted in multiple students being detained. In Chicago, recent student protests have concluded without reported arrests or disciplinary actions. Organizers say those demonstrations have drawn large crowds and remained peaceful.
“It’s definitely unfair and unjust that they’re getting arrested for walking out, which they have a right to do,” Campbell said.
Ashley Parro, a senior film and television major, said that she was concerned about repercussions but determined to make her voice heard.
“People need to be aware of what’s going on in society,” said Parro. “If we don’t do anything, then I believe everyone will just be silent, and there will be no form of executing a message.”
Copy edited by Venus Tapang
