‘IMMIGRANTS ARE HERE TO STAY’

The chant “Paso taught us: Unafraid—Immigrants are here to stay,” echoed in front of the 1000’s building during six period, on Feb. 6. A crowd of participants gathered in a protest led by juniors Lyric Johnson and Jesus Ursulo against Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) enforced by the Trump Administration.

Thousands of students have participated in Anti-ICE walkouts in California. Locally, San Luis Obispo High School, Arroyo Grande High School, and Cal Poly SLO, contributed to the movement against ICE through the National Shutdown on Jan. 30th. 

The National Shutdown organization is endorsed by student-led organizations in the University of Minnesota, such as the Somali Student Association and Black Student Union, according to Independent Political Reports.  

Paso Robles High School’s walkout came one week after the National Shutdown. Ursulo explained that holding a protest allowed for the Paso student body to express their opinions, while also feeling heard. He shared that up until Jan. 30, students were unaware of the nationwide protest. Johnson echoed similar motives, explaining that silence regarding ICE was evident across Paso.

“I’m hoping to make people feel heard and to show them that there are people who care. I know that not everyone knows how to stand up and have that bravery. I just hope everyone knows that we love them, we care, and we’re here to fight for them,” Johnson said.

Students participating expressed importance toward the walkout, emphasizing Paso Robles’ predominantly Hispanic community. 28% of Paso Robles (counted for) is Hispanic, according to Paso Robles City website. At PRHS, 57.5% of students identify as Hispanic, according to US News. 

After 300 students walked for about a mile to Niblick Bridge, students waved posters criticizing the Trump administration, while simultaneously highlighting Paso’s immigrant communities.

PROTEST PHOTO ALBUM

Gallery • 5 Photos

Jesus Ursulo

DOUBLE STANDARDS - Senior Lulu Haddox showcases her portrayal of ICE agents through a political satire art piece. “You don’t get to talk about illegal, when you voted for a felon." Haddox's sign read.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Alongside the protesting students, parents and community members drove by expressing mixed opinions. Some vehicles honked, swayed flags, and held signs to show support, while others thumbed down in disapproval. In response, water bottles were thrown by a few protesters, quickly addressed and stopped by parent organizers. 

“I’m very proud of the peaceful and organized protest, because none of the kids did anything to make the school look bad. They stayed on the sidewalk the entire time. They didn’t impede the traffic, and for the most part, I think there was a lot of community support.” an anonymous staff member said.

Students, however, may have missed the prior notice opportunity to the civic and political event. The bill permits excused absences in “discretion of a school administrator, as provided,” (California Legislative Information). 

PRJUSD Administration released a statement on ParentSquare informing families of both the policy and their knowledge of the event. The school is required to maintain a neutral standpoint on the situation, however concern was expressed towards the students. 

“We understand that situations like this may feel unsettling for some. Students are encouraged to reach out to staff if they need support,” the message read.