Hundreds of Chicago Public Schools students took to the streets on Monday, braving the cold weather to protest against President Donald Trump's deportation campaign. The students from various high schools in the city carried flags representing Mexico, the US, and other countries, calling for federal immigration officers to leave Chicago and other cities.
The protesters, many of whom are the children of immigrants, chanted slogans like "fuera ICE" – or "ICE out" – as they marched through the snowy neighborhood streets. They were met with cheers from neighbors, some of whom waved flags out of their windows in support.
Among the students protesting was Angelique Guzman, a Mather High School student who accused federal agents of violating the US Constitution by targeting people based on their skin color and language. She cited the recent Supreme Court ruling that allowed immigration agents to use race and language as factors in stopping and questioning people.
Guzman also encouraged young people to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming congressional midterm elections, saying that this is a critical moment in history when they should make their voices heard.
Other students, including Krystal Portilla from Amundsen High School, shared similar concerns about federal immigration operations. Portilla said she had nightmares as a child because of her father's immigration struggles and felt alone when federal agents showed up at her school last year.
The protests were part of a growing chorus of voices demanding the abolition of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The students' actions reflect the deep concern among immigrant communities about Trump's deportation policies, which they see as targeting and threatening their families, neighbors, and friends.
The student-led protests have gained attention beyond Chicago, with similar demonstrations taking place in other states on Monday, including Indiana and Texas.
The protesters, many of whom are the children of immigrants, chanted slogans like "fuera ICE" – or "ICE out" – as they marched through the snowy neighborhood streets. They were met with cheers from neighbors, some of whom waved flags out of their windows in support.
Among the students protesting was Angelique Guzman, a Mather High School student who accused federal agents of violating the US Constitution by targeting people based on their skin color and language. She cited the recent Supreme Court ruling that allowed immigration agents to use race and language as factors in stopping and questioning people.
Guzman also encouraged young people to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming congressional midterm elections, saying that this is a critical moment in history when they should make their voices heard.
Other students, including Krystal Portilla from Amundsen High School, shared similar concerns about federal immigration operations. Portilla said she had nightmares as a child because of her father's immigration struggles and felt alone when federal agents showed up at her school last year.
The protests were part of a growing chorus of voices demanding the abolition of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The students' actions reflect the deep concern among immigrant communities about Trump's deportation policies, which they see as targeting and threatening their families, neighbors, and friends.
The student-led protests have gained attention beyond Chicago, with similar demonstrations taking place in other states on Monday, including Indiana and Texas.
... these kids are so brave, carrying flags and chanting slogans, but what's really behind this? Is it just a genuine cry for help or are there bigger players at play? I mean, have you seen the pics of those federal agents showing up at their schools? That's some serious intimidation tactics right there 
. And now they're trying to silence them with all these 'abolish ICE' rallies... it smells like a PR stunt to me 
. These kids are just pawns in a much bigger game, and we need to keep digging to uncover the truth 
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. Can't these adults figure out a way to resolve immigration issues without putting kids on the front lines? I mean, I get it, they're passionate about their families' rights, but don't they know that their actions are going to be used against them in court? It's just not a great look for anyone involved 
.
I'm all for making your voice heard, but can't you organize a more practical protest? Like, I don't know, write a letter to Congress or something? Less drama, less hassle 
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. Can't we just focus on finding solutions without resorting to hashtags and slogans? 
... how can we trust our gov to handle ppl from other countries when they're being targeted like this? 
meanwhile these kids are just trying to survive & their parents are struggling too... someone should listen to them instead of just enforcing policies 
Those students aren't just protesting for themselves, they're fighting for their families' future 
. Trump's deportation campaign is like a ticking time bomb, and these kids are brave enough to speak out against it 
. It's about time someone told him that his policies are harming the very people he's supposed to protect 
️. The ICE out movement is just the beginning, and I hope more young people take a stand against injustice 
This is so sad but at the same time super empowering to see these kids standing up for what they believe in! I mean, who would've thought that Trump's deportation policies would spark a movement led by young people? It's not just about their families being affected, it's about them wanting to make sure their voices are heard too. They're exercising their right to protest and demanding change - that takes a lot of courage. And I love how they're using flags and slogans to show unity and solidarity with other immigrant communities. The fact that they're also encouraging others to vote in the midterm elections is just amazing 
anyway, it's great to see these kids using their voices to make a change, we need more of that in our country 
And can we please stop giving kids the power to decide policy? They're still in school, dude... they shouldn't be making life-or-death decisions about national security. 
... it's about time someone showed some backbone around here. I mean, who needs education when you can just protest all day? 
. Seriously though, I'm proud of them for using their voices and exercising their right to vote. We need more people doing that around here 
gotta respect those who are speaking out, like Angelique, she's got some serious guts talking about the constitution and all that 
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. I mean, we've been hearing about immigration reform for years and nothing ever seems to happen. But at the same time, isn't it better to have our voices heard than not? Maybe that's what matters most - feeling like we're being seen and heard, even if it doesn't lead to any tangible change