PARK RIDGE, Ill. — A spirited student walkout at East Maine High School here drew some 100 participants March 3. Many held homemade signs as they marched through the neighborhood to protest immigration raids and deportations. Some participated in their cars, honking in support and waving their national flags from their windows.
Students were eager to explain why they joined the action to this reporter. Alison Sanchez, whose parents are immigrants, said her uncle was recently deported, leaving behind his wife and children. She rejected the government’s abuse of immigrants as “criminal aliens,” saying her parents “are extremely hard-working.”
“We have to take a stand,” she said.
Sophomore Syeda Sanroz said immigration is a topic students often feel unable to discuss in school. The walkout was “an amazing way to get our political thoughts out,” she said.
Freshman Gaby Hogan said the protest helped spark discussion among students about the conditions immigrants faced.