University Students and Locals Unite Against Trump’s Immigration Policies.

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University students and community members gathered on the Main Quad to participate in “A Day Without Immigrants,” a movement highlighting the contributions and importance of immigrant communities in the United States.

The event was promoted by La Casa, the Latinx cultural house, and I-CAUSE, a student organization dedicated to representation and resource gathering for undocumented students. I-CAUSE posted on social media, “On February 3, we take a stand. No work. No school. No spending. Our immigrant and undocumented communities are the backbone of this country. To show our power, we’re coming together to boycott for a day—because without us, everything stops.”

Participants began gathering around midday, dancing, chanting, and conversing to music played through a speaker. Stephanie Bedolla, a junior in ACES, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. “I just think this shows how loving our culture is and how we’re so willing to stand up for other people and come together and have a good time,” Bedolla said. “I think it’s a great show of solidarity.”

Some participants held flags or cardboard signs criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Sofia Rivera, a second-year graduate student in the School of Social Work, held a sign that read, “School is for education, not deportation.” Rivera emphasized the importance of safe learning environments. “I just think that schools should be safe places for students to be able to learn,” Rivera said. “It should be a safe environment, not for them to be asked whether (or not) they’re documented.

The event comes amidst recent changes in immigration policies. On January 21, the Trump administration rescinded a policy restricting ICE enforcement in sensitive locations, including schools and churches. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem also ordered the termination of deportation protection for an estimated 350,000 Venezuelans.

Natalie Angel, a sophomore in LAS and program director for the Latino Student Association, highlighted the need for solidarity in the face of these changes. “With the recent actions by Trump, discrimination against immigrants, I think now more than ever we need to come together as a community and show our solidarity,” Angel said. “We’re in a time where we’re threatened just by being Latinos.”

Angel’s Colombian heritage played a role in her participation, and she emphasized the personal connection to the cause. “You never know who might be most affected by this,” Angel said. “It could be your neighbor, your aunt, your relatives. (We’re) trying to spread the word so that people know their rights, and they aren’t deported by this.”

The event concluded with participants gradually dispersing. Angel reflected on the importance of the gathering. “Even though we’re going through a very difficult time in our community, we’re showing up here in good spirits,” Angel said. “This is how we show our support for one another and that we are here for each other despite everything that’s going on.”

Kailey Reyes, a senior in LAS, also spoke about the challenges facing the Latino community. “This is beyond trying to take care of our country,” Reyes said. “It’s getting rid of everyone that makes up America.

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