By: Sandy Garcia
Students and faculty joined around the Grotto in front of the statue of Virgin Mary, standing together to express their stance against the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Chicago.
“Say it loud, say it clear: Immigrants belong here,” the students chanted.
About 60 students walked out of class to protest ICE on Nov. 13, the feast day of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants.
One of the organizers was senior Yuliana Camacho. Camacho, an elementary education major with an ESL endorsement, works with TRIO, a student-support office. After meeting other TRIO staff, they came up with the idea of offering their office and materials for students to make signs the day before and of the protest.
“We can give students that ability to unite with one another and make posters together,” Camacho said.
FEMinSTEM, with the help of ministry and Paul Simon, took the initiative for the walkout.
Senior Lesley Perez, a community service coordinator for FEMinSTEM, ideated the walkout, saying, “I really wanted to advocate being in solidarity with immigrants, [that] was the main goal.” She said.
The walkout began with FEMinSTEM members handing out bags, containing a whistle, a flyer on whistle usage when ICE is present, and a Know Your Rights informatic.
Around 11:30 a.m. participators gathered, America Perez, the president of FEMinSTEM, welcomed and encouraged them to use their voices to support the immigrant community.
Sister Christin Tomy then started the occasion with prayer. She prayed for those affected by ICE and the immigrant community.
Kevin Amaro was introduced as the Program Supervisor in Illinois Workers in Action. He described the effects of ICE by telling people stories of detention centers and deportation.
Afterwards America Perez, along with Lesley Perez, informed participants the walkout would continue around campus perimeters, leaving the sanctuary of Dominican. Prioritizing safety, they allowed participants to choose if they would continue.
The chant started with Lesley Perez saying, “Say it loud, say it clear,” and the crowd responding, “Immigrants belong here.”
During the walk protesters chanted and blew their whistles. As they reached Thatcher Avenue, passing drivers honked their horns in solidarity, leading to louder chanting.
The walkout concluded as they reached Lewis. FEMInSTEM thanked participants as they chanted one more time.
Afterwards, the student protesters reflected on the march.
Imelda Ortiz, a senior majoring in natural science, decided to go to the walkout to be in solidarity with her community and help a cause that is important to her.
“I would like for it (the walkout) to have a positive impact not only for students who participated in the walkout but also for those who couldn’t make it or those who also felt scared to go so that way they know that there’s a voice for them,” Ortiz said.
Jessica Anahi Villarreal, a junior majoring in business management, described the walkout as important now as it counters conservative political views at Dominican, reveals human rights issues, and empowers the Hispanic community.
Villarreal discussed her desire to have more walkouts to take a stand and support a message.
“At the end of the day I’m grateful that they did [a walk-out], but another one would be quite helpful especially because I know a lot of students just couldn’t make it that first time,” she said.
sgarcia6@my.dom.edu
LEGAL immigrants. If you came here illegally, you’re breaking the law and should be deported. Let the people who play by the rules come in.
Oh, sure: counter conservative viewpoints at Dominican when those conservative viewpoints are already being silenced by the administration, fellow students, and the professors. But please: tell us more about how you’re “oppressed.”