Thanks to Blue Sky Bookkeeping and West St. Paul Chiropractic for their support.
More than one hundred students from Two Rivers High School walked out at noon today in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in their community.
Why: “ICE is terrorizing our communities, our neighbors fear leaving their homes. Kids are being pulled out of school, out of fear of detainment,” read a statement from the student organizers on Instagram. “We are making a statement, if everybody does not feel safe at school then NO ONE DOES.”
School response: The student-planned protest was not approved by school officials, who sent an email to families on Tuesday discouraging participation. The email noted the district supports students’ first amendment rights, but reiterated consequences for the walkout, which include unexcused absences and potentially forfeiting the right to participate in sports and activties that day.
Where: The protesters left school grounds and marched along the sidewalk north to Marie Avenue, then east to Robert Street. After crossing Robert Street, the protest then turned north and marched on the sidewalk along Robert Street all the way to Thompson Avenue before crossing back over Robert and heading south back to Marie. The protest mostly broke up at the corner of Robert and Marie, though a small group continued to chant on the corner.
Support and response: There were multiple parents and adults accompanying the group, and the West St. Paul Police Department vehicles were in the area keeping close watch. There were no reported interactions with ICE agents. Many vehicles honked and shouted support to the students.
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