Future Educators Association members organized a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Montclair State University’s amphitheater on March 26.
Following the highly publicized killings of Alex Pretti and Renée Good by ICE, communities have taken to protest as a means of challenging the immigration enforcement policies set forth by the Trump Administration.
Montclair State is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Attendees joined together to chant mantras of unity in both English and Spanish, such as “The students united will never be defeated,” and hold signs reading “I’m here for those who have to hide.”
Attendees included students, nonprofit members from Make The Road NJ and Latin-American student organizations.
Abigail Rodriguez, president of the Future Educators Association speaking out against ICE. Gwenyth Greenspan | The Montclarion
Abigail Rodriguez, a Puerto Rican senior student majoring in political science and president of the Future Educators Association, shared how education and action are integral to communities seeking to resist harmful immigration policies.
“Being vocal, being out and educating,” Rodriguez said. “Our whole mission as future educators is to educate. This gives us the voice to promote awareness. We should celebrate one another.”
Students and volunteers from Make the Road NJ gathered at the ICE Protest. Gwenyth Greenspan | The Montclarion
Rodriguez is also a member of the New Jersey Education Association, the largest teachers union in the country. Rodriguez hopes that protests such as this one can create change during politically uncertain times.
“I believe that you have the right to free speech,” Rodriguez said. “I think having events like these is important because it makes people stop and listen, especially during such a politically tense time.”
Others in attendance included members of Make the Road NJ, a nonprofit dedicated to providing immigration services. Antonio Hernandez, an organization member and paraprofessional, highlighted some of the ways immigration enforcement has negatively impacted education.
“As an educator, I’ve noticed that student’s grades have somewhat plummeted,” Hernandez said. “There’s always worry about going home and not knowing if a loved one has been detained.”
Antonio Hernandez of Make the Road NJ speaking at the ICE Protest. Gwenyth Greenspan | The Montclarion
Hernandez believes that mental health resources are integral for schools and communities to better assist their students,
“Right now, the main thing is mental health,” Hernandez said. “Having counselors and therapists there for students to help them out.”
Gabriel Vasquez, a Montclair State University freshman and member of the Future Educator’s Association protesting. Gwenyth Greenspan | The Montclarion
Gabriel Vasquez, a freshman elementary education major and member of the Future Educators Association, organized the protest after seeing similar events at other schools. Vasquez emphasized the importance of having spaces where students can speak their minds.
“I had seen that schools were protesting against ICE; I want to bring that to Montclair State, and create space for students to come and make their voices heard today,” Vasquez said. “It was personal to me, because ICE was detaining people back at home. I want to make my voice heard, and I want justice.”
Abraham De Jesus, event coordinator chair of the Mexican-American Student Association at Montclair State University, being interviewed at the ICE Protest. Gwenyth Greenspan | The Montclarion
Other students in attendance were representing various cultural organizations on campus. Abraham De Jesus, a sophomore double-majoring in history and secondary education with a minor in Spanish, serves as the event coordinator chair of the Mexican-American Student Association (MASA).
De Jesus expressed his support for immigrants and how ICE deportations have impacted him personally.
“The flag I’m wearing right now is the proud Mexican flag,” De Jesus said. “I’m a proud Mexican, a proud son of immigrants. I’m here to show my support not just for future educators, but to support immigrants. I had my grandpa deported a few months ago and it changed my life.”
Students and volunteers from Make the Road NJ gathered at the ICE Protest. Gwenyth Greenspan | The Montclarion
De Jesus also detailed how Montclair State University could better support its student population.
“As an HSI, Montclair State State should have seminars about this more often,” De Jesus said. “Students come here for an education, a better life. How do we look as a community if we’re not protecting them?”
The protest attendees are not the only New Jersey residents concerned with immigration enforcement. According to a recent Stockton University poll, roughly two-thirds of New Jersey voters believe that ICE has made New Jersey communities less safe.
Students and volunteers from Make the Road NJ gathered at the ICE Protest. Gwenyth Greenspan | The Montclarion
Whether through protests, educational efforts or improved mental health resources, diverse communities all over the United States are calling for change.
