It is no secret that in Los Angeles and across the country, we have been actively facing a national human rights crisis. Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids are penetrating every corner of the nation, violating the rights of Americans and inspiring fear and uncertainty. These past few months have been nothing short of difficult.
For a while, I have been wondering what I can do to help. I have heard uplifting stories of teens who have taken action to protest the actions of ICE in their communities. And as a student at Immaculate Heart High School, activism has always been at the core of the school’s mission. But with every new story of someone taken or killed,I felt more hopeless. How could I possibly help put an end to the attacks on immigrant communities and American citizens when it felt like the situation was growing worse every day?
One late Thursday afternoon, I received a school-wide email announcing that there would be a student-organized walkout during lunch the next day. Just minutes after the email was sent, text messages flooded in as friends and classmates expressed their excitement for the walkout. I remember reading the email twice over, the all-caps subject line catching my attention. Immediately I felt a glimmer of hope, my despair evaporating. This was my chance to use my voice and actually do something impactful.
The next day leading up to the walkout, I felt a buzz of anticipation throughout school. I saw students carrying their posters between classes, donning jerseys representing Hispanic countries and wearing stickers reflecting the school’s mission of empowering students of “Great Heart and Right Conscience.”
The time of the walkout soon came. Before setting out on the walkout, everyone gathered on the field to practice call-and-response chants and go over crucial safety rules. Sitting among the rest of the student body, I could not help but feel emotional and empowered. Across all grade levels and backgrounds, we were all there for the same reason – to stand up against oppressive forces that were attacking our communities.
With seniors in the front, freshmen and sophomores in the middle, and juniors in the back, we marched out the school driveway and up Los Feliz Boulevard. Passing cars honked in support, with some drivers and passengers even poking their heads out the window and cheering along with us.
We eventually lined up along Los Feliz Boulevard in front of the Griffith Park sign and bear statue. Standing alongside my friends and classmates, with our signs held up high and voices loud and clear, I felt hope for the first time in a while. No longer did I feel powerless or incapable of making a difference. Seeing the passion emanating from my peers was inspiring, and it reminded me of what being a student at Immaculate Heart is all about. Like the women before us, we were embracing our mission as women of great heart and right conscience in action, and that was truly beautiful to witness.
When the walkout was over, everyone reconvened on the field to commend one another on our work while also emphasizing that the fight is not over yet. We ended the walkout by singing our alma mater, the lyrics ringing truer than ever.
At the end of the school day, students were able to hang their posters up in the senior courtyard. Seeing everyone’s posters on the wall was a testament to what we accomplished that day, as well as the work that still needed to be done. The walkout was a reminder that we all have the power to make monumental change, and even in the face of adversity, there is still hope for a brighter future.
Walkouts and protests are just one of many effective ways to take action against ICE. Everyone has the capacity to speak up and fight for what’s right, though how you go about using your voice is entirely up to you.
A website that was shared with students during the walkout was ICE List Wiki, which records information about ICE agents and documents arrests, vehicles, and more. This is an extremely helpful website for anyone who notices ICE activity occurring in their neighborhood or anywhere in general.
There are still other ways to get involved. Keep in mind that there are many resources out there, so it is important to do your own research as well. No matter how you decide to get involved, know that you have the ability to fight for what is right. The atrocities taking place in our communities are not what makes our city or country better. Change is a long process, but when we all contribute to the fight, that is a step in the right direction toward a better country for everyone.
Economic solidarity
Donate to organizations that are helping immigrants and their families. A great place to start is an article by LA Taco, where you can find an extensive list of nonprofits that are supporting immigrant communities. Additionally, supporting immigrant-owned businesses and boycotting corporations that collaborate with ICE operations is a significant way of showing economic solidarity.
Contact your representatives
Calling or emailing your senators or representatives is a way in which you can contribute to the fight against ICE. Putting a call to action verbally or in words is powerful and brings attention to the crisis at hand. It may appear to be a longshot, but know that your calls and emails matter.
Stay educated
Share educational resources with those around you. Various sites such as Freedom For Immigrants have several resources that are helpful for anyone. Know your rights. It may be distressing to read or watch the news, but it important to stay informed and know what is going on locally and nationally.
