Editor’s note: All quotes have been kept anonymous in this story to prioritize the safety of participating students.
Lawrence High and Free State students gathered at the corner of 9th and Massachusetts Streets Tuesday, Feb. 24 to protest the Trump administration and recent ICE presence in Lawrence.
Approximately 200 protesters gathered downtown Tuesday afternoon. Lawrence High and Free State students stood with signs and whistles at the intersection where community members gather for weekly protests on Sundays.
Students cited fear and anger when asked what brought them to Tuesday’s protest.
“I’m the grandchild of two immigrants,” a Free State student said. “I’m hispanic, I’m columbian, Equadoran, Mexican…and I don’t wanna be deported, I don’t want my grandpa or my dad deported.”
Last week, videos and reports of local ICE activity spread throughout the community. Sanctuary Alliance, a local advocacy group, reported that 5 people were detained by ICE in Lawrence.
“They took my favorite burrito guy,” an LHS student said. “They deported him for no reason.”
An LHS student who helped organize the protest compared ICE activity to fascism.
“When I call them fascists, it isn’t just an insult, they should take it to heart. They are fascists,” the student said. “They sold their soul for a $50,000 bonus and I think it’s pathetic, they are all pathetic.”
Additional ICE sightings in Lawrence have been reported at the time of this publishing. The Budget will continue to report on local ICE activity. Visit this story for local and national resources.
