Representatives of SLU’s Democratic-Republicans club and Social Issues Forum collaborated to make civic commentary on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday, Feb. 12, outside of the Student Union.
Aiming to speak out against “the actions of ICE and the violation of rights” the demonstration was set into motion by President of the Democratic-Republicans, Lyndsie Davis, as she read aloud the United States Bill of Rights.
“No person shall be…deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law,” Davis said.
Following the fatal shootings of Minnesotans Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents, nationwide backlash has culminated in widespread protests.
Earlier the same week, the Social Issues Forum and Democratic-Republicans club hosted an event dedicated to making signs for the demonstration, which were held up by participants throughout the event.
Between class times, students began to participate in the demonstration to express their opinions on ICE and to speak with other students who felt differently.
Danica Humphries, a junior History major, said, “Anybody who tries to tell you that your fellow American is your enemy does not have your best interest at heart. It is only trying to grab power from the American people.”
“Facism is on the rise in this country, and there are obvious warning signs,” said Chloe Vogt, a senior Art major.
After hours of speeches, comments and conversations about ICE, the group then marched through campus to Railroad Avenue, where they met with members from League of Women Voters, 10,000 Women Louisiana and candidate for 1st Congressional District, Lauren Jewett.
Alma Chasez, president of the League of Women Voters, expressed the league’s mission to educate people about the importance of voting and to help them register.
“Voting in Louisiana is abysmal. I’m sick of hearing ‘My vote doesn’t count.’ The only vote that doesn’t count is the one you don’t cast. Your vote is your voice, and it’s how we get things done,” Chasez said.
Jewett, working as a special education teacher for over 16 years, has gained a unique perspective on constitutional freedoms that has propelled her campaign now running for 1st Congressional District.
“I was raised to understand the importance of advocacy from a very young age… I’ve carried those lessons into advocating within my profession for not just my colleagues but all of the students that I work with everyday,” Jewett said.
“The students with disabilities, students who are immigrants, students who are queer, students who are black and brown, students who are food insecure and students that are homeless. That’s part of our jobs as teachers,” she added.
The transition to the busy intersection at Railroad Avenue brought the demonstration to a wider public, drawing significant attention from passing motorists and pedestrians. Attendees noted that the insights from the guest speakers deepened their understanding of the legal issues at hand and fostered a strong sense of solidarity.
“Seeing everyone’s energy come together gave me a lot of hope for the future. We had so many participants who made it possible, who came out to speak up for their friends and family,” Davis said. “I’m proud of my team and community for reaching everyone with empathy and fighting hate with love.”
