Today, January 30, as part of a National Shutdown, Alhambra High School, San Gabriel High School, and Mark Keppel High School students walked out of school this afternoon to protest the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
“This was entirely student run, not organized by any staff or the district,” shared an Alhambra High School teacher in attendance, ensuring that the students were kept safe.
“Overall, to be an educator is to be part of a cause for social justice and the betterment of everybody. We, as educators, have to show kids that we’re with them and on their side,” shared another local teacher, who wished to remain anonymous. “Alhambra is a community that’s very diverse and immigrant based. It’s crucial to show kids that the demonization of the immigrant, whether documented or undocumented is false… I’m proud of these students, that they didn’t just take a free afternoon off to hang out with their friends.”
Tensions have been high in the Alhambra community as with communities across the country. Following a filmed encounter with a community member, Alhambra Police, and federal immigration enforcement agents that circulated online, community members protested at the subsequent City Council meeting, expressing concerns, frustration, and anger with the police response.
“The whole reason I’m here is because of the APD and their promise to not support ICE,” shared an Alhambra High School student at the protest today. “I’m from an immigrant family, and for my whole life in Alhambra, I’ve felt safe as the police have always kept their word; but recently I feel that that’s changed. It’s encouraging to see the community come out to support this.”
Around 100 high school students gathered to protest, holding signs with messages including, “What matters more, the people or the system?”, “ICE out of Alhambra,” and “We are skipping our lessons to teach you one. No ICE!” Protesters remained peaceful, encouraging one another to stay off the grass, respect officers and the public, and remain nonviolent.
“We’re hoping to see a change in our country and more people speaking up,” shared another high school student in attendance at the protest. “We can get together as a community to drive change, but it’s disappointing that it’s gotten to the level that even the kids have to speak up.”
