Dozens of students walked out of their afternoon classes at Pleasant Valley High School on Oct. 23 to protest ICE activity in Chico. The high schoolers, carrying signs with phrases like “ICE OUT,” marched to the corner of East and Ceanothus avenues opposite their campus.
The event was organized by a 16-year-old student who identified herself as Valeria. (ChicoSol opted to omit the last names of minors in this story due to the sensitive nature of the protest).
“My family are immigrants. I am a daughter of an immigrant,” Valeria said. “I’m scared that my parents won’t come home or won’t pick me up because they were detained by ICE. That is my biggest fear, and I know that’s a biggest fear for other students as well.”
As for the goals of the walkout? Valeria, whose dream is to become a congresswoman, wants people “to realize that we aren’t just students. We are future voters.”
Another student, 14-year-old Yaretzi, walked out in recognition of her family’s sacrifices to support her. “My parents worked very hard to get here and get me where I am. Especially my mom, I live with her,” Yaretzi said. “I want to thank her the most.”
“Why are we deporting people from land that’s stolen?” said 14-year-old Ariana. “I’m seeing everyone come, gather together and doing something to make the world change.”
A lone counter protestor demonstrated simultaneously down the road, holding an American flag and a Hilton-for-governor sign. Easton said he’s a high school junior.
“I’m standing for what my values are,” Easton said. “I want California to be great again. There is a legal process, and there is a reason to protect American-born citizens.”
When it comes to his classmates’ fears for their own family members, Easton said, “I do sympathize with them. I would be devastated if one day I came home and my parents were gone.”
The several dozen students understood they risked the standard consequence for skipping class: one hour of detention. “We’re sticking up for the people that can’t speak,” Valeria said.
Katherine Kihiczak is a California Local News fellow reporting for ChicoSol.