“We are the future of the United States. The choices made today shape the lives we will inherit tomorrow,” reads an Instagram Stories post that began circulating in the days before February 4th. “Next Wednesday, Steilacoom High School students are walking out to protest ICE raids that are tearing families apart.”
“I am here to speak out for the people who can’t,” says Jada Robinson, one of the organizers of the walkout, “People are being mistreated for just being humans. It’s not right!”
“We’re tired of families being torn apart and people dying for no reason!” says Pablo Espinoza, the other organizer, “That’s not what America is for and that’s not what our Constitution is for!”
Clearly, plenty of students felt the same way. According to a Parent Square post from Principle Tyrell, “ … approximately 150 students left campus…”. Many students swear there were more, and it certainly looked like it. Carrying homemade signs sporting messages such as, “ICE belongs in my drinks not the street,” and, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” protestors march down Steilacoom Boulevard, through Fort Steilacoom Park, and gather at the intersection of Steilacoom Boulevard and 87th Ave SW.
“I’m here to protest ICE being in America deporting immigrants, whether they’re legal or illegal, or whether they’re even American citizens. They shouldn’t be doing any of this, and the murders they’ve been committing recently are actually atrocious, so we’re here to protest that.” says Michael Ramsey.
“[We’re out here today] to spread awareness about ICE as a problem in our country,” says Shay Brown.
“Even kindergartens are getting deported when they’re legally here… it’s not right.” adds Brooke Stoltenow.
One of the most repeated comments was a chorus of “F–k ICE,” something that frequently rose from the crowds of students during the walk through the park and on the street corner. Cheers often rose when passing cars honked in support, and boos when others reacted poorly to the demonstration.
“I want to protest ICE for taking people off the streets. It’s the same sh-t Nazis were doing.” Ryan Lang adds when asked why he was there.
“We just hate ICE,” Kaimana Akana adds, “F–k ICE”
“Half of my family is a minority, so I have to protect them. I like that we’re making a mark, and hopefully that mark can make a change.” says Mia Quenga.
“Even though it doesn’t affect me, I don’t agree with what’s happening in the world.” says Tyler Blevins.
The students of Steilacoom High School spoke up: they want ICE out. There’s been some controversy from parents concerned about the role of this kind of demonstration from students. However, according to the 1969 Tinker v Des Moines ruling, “It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate… In our system, state-operated schools may not be enclaves of totalitarianism. School officials do not possess absolute authority over their students,”.
