On Tuesday, February 4th, at 11:30 a.m., students gathered on the Quad of the Visalia Campus to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E) raids and to demand that President/Superintendent Brent Calvin declare the College of the Sequoias a sanctuary for undocumented students. The protest, which included students from COS and the broader Visalia, Tulare County, California, and U.S. communities, called for an end to mass deportation raids and solidarity with immigrants. Despite recent praise and a raise for President Calvin for his support and understanding of students, his response to the possibility of I.C.E on campus was limited to following federal law. Protesters demanded a clear statement of solidarity from him.
The protest, lasting over an hour, saw students marching across campus, chanting slogans like “Se si puede,” “melt ice,” “justice now,” and “Brent Calvin, Sanctuary now.” Bystanders showed support by raising fists, clapping, and honking horns. The protest aimed to speak for those unable to attend, those fearing raids, and those unaware of recent injustices. Some participants even came from Fresno City College.
As the protest continued, interviews with protesters revealed that many were there for their immigrant families, to support the Latinx community, and to preserve their culture and heritage. The President of the MEChA Club, Koki, emphasized the importance of leadership in driving change and ensuring justice for all. Students were encouraged to use social media to spread the message and to support those fighting for change. Koki reminded everyone that “You are not alone” and that the community stands together. The MEChA-organized protest on the Visalia Campus addresses a nationwide issue, reminding immigrants that they are not alone. Koki’s final words were, “Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s moral, and just because it’s illegal doesn’t mean that it’s bad.” Protesters expressed the importance of community solidarity, especially in the face of widespread fear about I.C.E raids. They hoped for a public statement from COS affirming their commitment to protecting undocumented students, even if it meant defying federal law.
For those interested in joining the MEChA Club, a meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 6th, at 3:00 p.m. in Tule Building Room 512 on the Visalia Campus. More information can be found on their Instagram account @cos.mecha.
