Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, has recently been getting closer than ever. More lives are being lost day by day. Many often live in fear, wondering if they’re next. The Lakota students proposed the idea of a protest.
There have been multiple sightings of ICE in many areas near Ohio. ICE detains those they believe are here by illegal matters. The mission they set out on is to get rid of said “criminals” to keep the country safe. Many individuals lose family members and their homes due to being looked upon as foreigners. Day by day, many students believe ICE agents have been getting more and more aggressive.
So, the students of Lakota had an idea to create a protest to show their frustration over the matter that had caused public outcry.
Maria Vazquez Rodriguez decided to start the “ICE OUT” chat on GroupMe. Many individuals joined as a way to connect with each other on their frustrations and tensions.
Maria claims, “I saw people getting murdered and families getting torn apart, and when I found out ICE is coming to Ohio, I knew I had to speak up and do something about it.”
She was scared and knew she couldn’t do it alone; however, thanks to Anastasia Montgomery, Alexie Way, Armaan Megada, Jackson Pawley, and Khady Wane, who shared their personal experiences and decided to come up with a way to get justice and make a difference.
Armaan states, “When there’s so much hate, fear, and division in the world, it’s important for people to stand together. Protests give ordinary people hope.”
Gathering the opinions of the organizers, they decided to step up and take action. The group decided to make a protest outside the school near the Mid Pointe Library.
Each student contributed to fighting for their rights, and the protest reached more than 100 people who joined in and encouraged others to join in as well. Kayla Pichardo Lora, a protestor, suggested going as far as to wear your flags and dress in your culture. Kayla believes even those who couldn’t show up can still show support.
“I wanted everyone to wear something cultural; the U.S. is a country of diversity, and we’re experiencing oppression and separation. No one should face mistreatment for their skin or culture. Culture is part of identity.” Shaped by her words, many wore their flags and even cultural outfits of their own.
Throughout history, protesting has been seen as disruptive and confrontational; however, the students fight for their rights, and their accomplishments to be seen. Even though careful monitoring, the students remained within what they were granted and didn’t cross boundaries given to them by the administration. Students stayed off school property during school dismissal and made sure not to get in the way of any vehicles.
“We needed our voices to be heard, and we needed to be seen, and by doing this protest, we’ve accomplished everything we needed to,” a statement from Alexa.
The students remained vigilant and did so in an orderly fashion.
Another planner, Khady shares, “our peaceful protest showed the ignorant people out there that we can make a difference, matter of fact, we just did.”
