A powerful wave of student activism has swept across Portland, with hundreds of young voices rising up to protest the recent immigration enforcement crackdown. This movement, sparked by the tragic shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, has ignited a fire in the hearts of these students, who are determined to make their voices heard.
On a rainy Friday afternoon, students from McDaniel High School took to the streets, their signs bearing the urgent message: "Stop ICE Terror Now." Their chants echoed through the city, a powerful display of democracy in action. Across town, Roosevelt High School students joined the march, their actions mirroring a nationwide movement that has united students across the Pacific Northwest.
Among those leading the charge was Jasmin Reyes-Contreras, a senior at Roosevelt. "We as students care deeply about this issue," she explained. "The funding directed towards ICE affects us all. There are students at Roosevelt whose parents have been taken away, and that's a reality we can't ignore."
However, this protest comes with a cost. Some school districts in Oregon have implemented a policy of marking students' absences as unexcused, which can impact their eligibility for extracurricular activities. Despite this, students like Viola DeVigal, a sophomore at McDaniel, felt compelled to skip school and join the nationwide protest. "It was an incredibly meaningful experience," she shared. "Seeing my community and peers come together to support each other and those in need was truly inspiring."
McDaniel, with its significant Latino student population, has been particularly affected. DeVigal revealed that she's heard from students who are afraid to attend school due to fears of being detained by ICE agents. Oscar Ribeiro, a sophomore at Roosevelt, also shared stories of classmates whose family members have faced deportation or attacks by ICE.
Portland Public Schools has taken a stance, announcing that Friday would be treated as a regular school day. However, they also emphasized their respect for students' rights to protest and express their opinions. "We recognize the real harm and anxiety caused by recent immigration enforcement actions," said PPS Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong. "We are committed to supporting and advocating for our immigrant staff, students, and families."
But it's not just students taking a stand. Small businesses in the Pacific Northwest are also grappling with the decision to join the nationwide general strike. While some businesses in Portland have chosen to close their doors in solidarity, others are hesitant due to the potential loss of revenue during challenging economic times.
The nationwide general strike, promoted on various websites and social media platforms, has gained momentum since the tragic shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Opposition to deportation efforts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection has grown, with many calling for the federal government to address the violent tactics employed by federal officers and reduce immigration detentions and deportations.
For business owners like Polo Bañuelos and Carlos Reynoso, the decision to close their vegan restaurant, Mis Tacones, was a collective one. "In solidarity, we decided to close our business," Bañuelos explained. "We wanted to participate, but as a small business, closing is not an easy decision. Many small businesses cannot afford to lose a day's revenue."
Bañuelos and Reynoso, who started Mis Tacones a decade ago, shared their personal connection to the issue. Bañuelos, born to Mexican immigrants in the U.S., and Reynoso, who moved to the U.S. as a child, have brought their experiences and cultures to the community they've built in Portland. "We've always been authentic," Bañuelos said.
While some businesses closed, others found alternative ways to show their support. Christine Azar, owner of Azar Indulgences, a chocolate and coffee shop, decided to donate part of her proceeds to small businesses in Minneapolis. "I stand in solidarity with those closing their businesses," she said. "But I also wanted to ensure my money went where it would have the most impact."
Azar, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, during the country's civil war, has a unique perspective. She and her family fled to Syria and then Canada before moving to the U.S. in 2001. "It's a scary time," she said. "These actions are designed to harm people, whether they're immigrants or business owners employing immigrants."
For Azar, the general strike is a way to send a message to larger corporations, who she believes have more influence over federal immigration policy. "Small businesses like mine are invested in our communities. We're the solution, not the problem," she stated while cleaning an espresso machine.
As the protests continue, the impact of these actions will be felt across the nation. Students and businesses alike are standing up for what they believe in, even if it means making difficult choices. This movement is a powerful reminder of the strength of collective action and the importance of standing in solidarity with those affected by immigration policies.
What do you think? Is this a necessary step to bring about change, or do you see potential drawbacks? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
