By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
Chants of “ICE out” and “This is democracy” echoed through the Price City Peace Garden on Monday, Feb. 2, as students gathered to protest tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
The student demonstration marks the latest in Utah, which saw a weekend full of walkouts and protests across the state following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during the ongoing immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
“It obviously doesn’t sit right with us. And as a majority we all wanted to come out here and show our support against ICE,” said student Diego Contreras, who bore a sign reading “Using my 1st amendment right to fight for my people’s right.”
Approximately 50 students lined the pavement, facing a cacophony of car horns, both in support and in opposition to the protest.
“A lot of my fellow students, their parents wouldn’t let them protest, and their parents don’t have the same beliefs as us, and so they couldn’t come out and speak their voice, so I wanted to do it for them,” explained Juna Valdez. “I also wanted to do it for the people who are suffering. I just wanted to support the people who can’t speak up for themselves.”
Students also shared why they believe it’s important for the next generation to speak out, with Austin Bell sharing,” Your voice is your biggest weapon against Injustice … I think often when people grow up in an area their beliefs kind of stagnate, and the youth always provides a fresh outlook on things on how things should be and provide new ideals.”
In a statement shared to social media, Carbon County Republican Party Chair Tina Urbanik commented on the recent local demonstrations: “This weekend, and at other times, we’ve seen people with differing political views speak out. They may display signs of discontent and hate for our administration and our ICE officers doing their jobs. I don’t believe they are evil. Many are good people who genuinely feel they are standing for what they believe is right. Often, the difference is perspective – not intent. But whatever it is, I want to remind us to be kind and not combat hate with hate, but with kindness, redirection and love. Love for fellow Americans. We are all doing the best we can.”
Carbon County is not the only area in the Castle Country where students have spoken out against immigration enfor cement. In an opinion piece shared with Castle Country Radio, Emery High student Channell Aviles stated,” At first, I thought what our president was doing was gonna be good, ‘get rid of the cartels,’ he said, but yet he has ICE entering schools, workplaces, and HOSPITALS just for the thrill, or because we have colored skin. I don’t think any of us agree with that at all.”
A second student protest is scheduled for Friday, with students from local high schools and Utah State University Eastern participating. The demonstration is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Price City Peace Garden.