Texas State students rally against ICE raids and immigration enforcement policy

By Jissela Cabrera

News reporter

SAN MARCOS—Texas State students gathered at the Fighting Stallions statue Wednesday to protest ICE raids and immigration enforcement policies in a peaceful demonstration.

The rally was a response to an executive order passed Jan. 20 that left immigrant communities in fear and citizens determined to speak out against the policy.

Texas State freshman Jaidenn Morales organized the protest last week and hosted a second rally this week with the endorsement of the Texas State Youth Democratic Socialists of America.

Morales said she wanted to address the issue because of her Mexican and Native American background.

“I was passionate about this because I am seeing that they are taking away people who have fought to be here and give their families a better life,” said Morales. “They are targeting brothers, moms, dads, sisters, grandparents, even young children, and I knew that we couldn’t just sit by and say nothing. I knew we needed to speak out for them.”

Morales said she hopes the protests inspire others to see what is happening in the world today and speak up for what is right.

“I used to be someone that would be scared to protest, but I realized that we shouldn’t be scared to speak out against something we think is wrong and unfair.”

About 50 students attended the protest, holding signs and encouraging other passing students to join. Protesters also participated in chants such as, “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here,” and “Money for jobs and education, not for mass deportation.”

Texas State junior Diane Nolasco distributed cards outlining rights citizens have when interacting with immigration agents.

“I think it is very important that people and students know their rights if they were ever confronted by an immigration officer,” said Nolasco. “We can all choose to exercise our constitutional rights, and these cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.”

While students have varying perspectives on the new immigration policy, government officials hold differing views on the immigration system, especially regarding its previous structure and the recent changes.

Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro addressed the issue on CNN, saying the system of deporting undocumented criminals had previously helped secure the border, ensure safe communities, and foster a prosperous economy. He said the current administration, however, is creating more chaos instead of addressing the issue.

“I think people generally agree that if you have a convicted felon who is undocumented, they should be deported. That’s what President Obama did, what President Biden did, and what President Trump did in his first term,” said Castro.

“The difference now is that President Trump has removed the Biden executive order that prioritized criminals and is now directing ICE agents to go into schools, churches, and hospitals.”

Castro said he would like to remind citizens that the United States became the most powerful and prosperous nation on earth not in spite of immigrants, but because of them.

Texas State University upholds students’ First Amendment rights, but has not yet addressed whether any changes will be made in response to recent developments in immigration policies.