A Day Blake Didn’t Stay Silent: ICE (Walk) OUT

On Friday, February 6th, the Upcycling club, run by Josephine McBride and Azrael, held a walkout in protest against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) after lunch. Nearly the entire school joined in protest of ICE.

The protest was held due to the atrocities ICE has committed not only in the past year, but also now in the new year, despite it barely being February. ICE has illegally detained people and conducted unconstitutional deportations. Josephine and Azrael made it clear that they’re passionate about protest and activism and are against the illegal actions and fear ICE has installed in our communities. 

During the protest, they acknowledged all the people whom ICE has killed. Such as Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and Liam Ramos, who wasn’t killed, but a kid who was used as bait to detain him and his father. They marched around the school twice, often chanting things like, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” “Get ICE out of our communities, and “ICE out.” Near the end of the protest, some Blake students spoke about having relatives who were detained by ICE. Shauntez Rudd had her uncle detained by ICE, while Kenneth Sandoval had his father detained by ICE, who was then killed in Guatemala. 

Small speeches were made throughout the protest, all of which had a similar message that no one is illegal on stolen land, no matter if you’re White, Hispanic, Black, or Asian; we are not safe. As well as making sure that you’re aware of your rights. Comparisons of 1930s Germany were also made. A small chant of “Trump is the new Hitler” was heard as they marched around the school.

Many signs were visible during the protest, a lot of which included the same message of getting ICE out. But a noticeable sign at the protest included this message: “Aqui estoy. No me voy. We are fighting for the families who never got to say goodbye. Y’all love god but hate his creations! And in the end, we bleed the same red. Fight for justice! All families belong together.” 

Bengals, be aware that the NEC high schools will have a walkout on February 18th, in protest of ICE. Stay safe and know your rights!