Students and organizers gathered at the Bell Tower on the campus of Temple University on Wednesday afternoon for a walkout protesting immigration enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE.
As the clock struck 2 p.m., demonstrators assembled around the landmark, calling attention to what they say are harmful federal immigration policies and enforcement actions.
Sammy, Temple Student Organizer, says “This protest is against ICE and the vicious attacks on the US, and Temple’s complete silence about their own student Jerome Richardson. Who quite frankly, is getting pushed by this regime.”
Organizers spent the week preparing for the collective walkout, encouraging students to leave class and gather at the Bell Tower.
One organizer, Sammy Allbright, says he traveled from Yale University to take part in the demonstration during his spring break.
He says “I’m horrified by what I have been seeing, seeing the videos of Rene Goode and Alex Preti being shot, but also 30-plus other immigrants who we don’t know have been killed by ICE.”
Organizers say the demonstration was meant to bring national immigration debates to college campuses. Advocacy groups across Philadelphia have held rallies in recent weeks criticizing ICE enforcement and family separation policies.
Socialist Philly, one of the groups supporting the walkout, says student demonstrations can pressure institutions and political leaders to respond.
Albright continues, “Walkouts are super important because it’s students shutting down this city… that’s what makes universities and billionaires shut down business as usual.”
Some students at the protest say immigration issues hit close to home.
Alex Perez, Temple Sophmore says “I have a lot of older family members who are immigrants who only speak Spanish, can only speak in broken English. ICE is proof that this country does not believe in what it stands for.”
Organizers say Wednesday’s walkout is part of a broader push for nationwide action.
Albright adds “We think protests are very important for what we’re putting forward — the next steps after it. What we’re calling for is a national general strike on May 1.”
The movement is also calling for action from the university, including increased protections for undocumented students and clearer policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
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