With President Donald Trump back in office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E) patrols increasing throughout the United States, immigrants and citizens alike are voicing their fears. Protests are being held all throughout Tulare County, with a local protest occurring here in Visalia this past Sunday at Caldwell Avenue and Mooney Boulevard. A protest was also held this Monday in Hanford on 12th Avenue and Lacey Boulevard with around 50 people in attendance. Protesters are supporting the Latinx Immigrant Community and protesting the recent immigration policies written by President Trump. Social media is currently circulating video footage and photos of these recent protests as well as the protest that occurred in Los Angeles where the 101 freeway was blocked off by protestors. We are still seeing plans for upcoming protests with one occurring at our Visalia Campus on Tuesday, February 4th. Communities are coming together to show support for those who would be directly impacted by Trump’s policies, with the Latinx Community doing the same while showing pride in their heritage and culture.
As some of us may have heard, by word of mouth or through social media, this Monday was “A Day Without Immigrants” where local businesses closed, students did not attend classes, and where immigrants boycotted stores in solidarity with the ongoing protests. The Visalia COS Campus had a noticeable lack of students/staff and many classes had fewer students as a result. Protestors are boycotting to show the impact immigrants have on our community. “A Day Without Immigrants” symbolizes how life would be without them if Trump’s policies go into effect and I.C.E continues to execute the mass deportation of immigrants. Companies, schools, and even consumers can see the direct impact that immigrants have in our daily lives through this as well. These protests are connected to a larger movement that is taking place in the United States, with all its protestors standing in solidarity, united by a single cause, to protect our immigrant communities from prejudice policies and the hands of I.C.E.
For those who are interested in joining the cause or would like to standwith their fellow Latinx community, there is a COS Mecha Club that students are welcome to join. If interested, please visit their Instagram page for more information @cos.mecha.
