Texas Students Stage Walkout to Protest ICE-Related Deaths
On Friday, Texas witnessed significant student activism as hundreds of students participated in a walkout against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in response to recent fatalities involving federal agents. This event was part of a broader national movement aimed at protesting immigration enforcement, ignited by the tragic deaths of two American citizens earlier this year.
Protests Across Texas
Students from various cities including Austin, Waco, and San Antonio gathered in solidarity, waving signs and distributing flyers that criticized ICE’s actions. In Austin, a large group of students moved toward the state Capitol, coinciding with a scheduled protest at 5:30 p.m.
State Response
Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed disapproval of the walkouts. He criticized the use of school resources for political demonstrations and instructed the Texas Education Commissioner to review the situation. Abbott stated that taxpayer-funded schools should focus on education rather than facilitating protests.
Consequences for Students
- The New Braunfels Independent School District warned that students participating in the walkout would receive unexcused absences and face possible disciplinary actions.
- Other school districts, such as Austin Independent School District, monitored the protests to ensure safety and order.
Community Engagement and Support
The University of Texas at Austin also saw significant participation, with a few hundred students joining high schoolers to march to the Capitol. Community members and various organizations supported the efforts, with many speakers advocating for ICE’s dismantlement.
Details of the Fatal Incidents
The protests were sparked by two tragic incidents that occurred in January. Renee Good, 37, was shot while trying to escape an encounter with ICE agents. Alex Pretti, also 37, was killed by a Border Patrol officer while assisting a civilian at a protest. These events intensified community concerns regarding the conduct of federal immigration enforcement.
Voices from the Protest
Students expressed their worries about ICE’s impact on families. Maya Escamilla, a student at Austin Community College, articulated her motivations for protesting, linking her actions to the escalating fears within her family regarding ICE. University of Texas professor Zenzi Griffin labeled ICE as “new slave patrols,” highlighting the moral implications of current immigration policies.
National Shutdown Movement
The protests are part of the larger “National Shutdown” movement, which received backing from numerous organizations, including the North Texas Area Labor Federation. Students engaged in coordinated efforts to bring attention to the pressing human rights issues tied to ICE activities.
As Texas students united for change, their march reflected not just a local, but a national call for action against perceived injustices inflicted by federal immigration policies.
