Protests have erupted all over the United States in a “Day Without Immigrants.” On February 3, 2025, many people skipped school and work to come together against the 47th President’s mass deportation policies and to showcase the contributions immigrants make in our economy and everyday lives. This movement first started in 2017 for the same reason it started this year. Eight years later, these people are still advocating for change and for basic human rights against the same President who endorsed these policies during his first term.
It has been one month since President Trump took office and has already signed executive orders on immigration policies. Some of these executive orders target birthright citizenship, border security, asylum, the refugee program, and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Through these executive orders, many people are left in fear for their parents, siblings, or themselves. Families are being ripped apart once again, even when the main target is supposed to be “criminals.”
The federal government is eliminating any form of assistance to those who receive their green cards and seek asylum in the U.S. They claim they want people to enter the country legally but eliminate anything that helps them accomplish that.
Photo by Philip Robins on Unsplash
“None of us is made safer or better off because Trump and the billionaires running our government with him have unleashed ICE and the military to rip children from their classrooms, workers from their worksites, and family members from their homes,” says Greisa Martinez Rosas, executive director of United We Dream.
Some students have not attended school due to fear of ICE showing up. Some of these students have even written goodbye letters to their teachers out of fear as President Trump throws out policies that have kept churches, schools, and hospitals safe from I.C.E raids. Schools have sent out emails to parents on what to do if I.C.E raids are happening at schools, which increases the fear and is simply inhumane.
With the new year just starting and the attack of immigrants being more cruel than last time, major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., have stood up to share their voices on this issue. Protesters gathered outside Government buildings and I.C.E offices to put a stop to the separation of families with these deportations. Protests, rallies, and marches have been organized by people who are speaking up for those who cannot use their voices.
Throughout these tough times, I understand the fear people have and how it impacts their everyday lives. Every day when I see my parents, I see these challenges, their scared faces, the fear of going outside, the fear of not knowing who is knocking on your door, and looking over your shoulder and being more alert. Many families are facing all these fears. No one should have to live in fear even in their own home, no parent should have to tell their kids what to do if they one day don’t come home, and no child should have to feel unsafe in their schools and stop attending school.
I had the honor of attending protests to support my parents and be the voice of those who cannot use their own. Being able to go out and support many people was such an eye-opener. The community came together in peaceful protests with many signs about keeping families together by ending family separation.
My mother, at first, did not want me to attend these protests due to fear if things would get out of control. I did end up convincing her to let me go and I definitely felt proud in that moment after having a conversation with her as to why I am attending a protest. “I fought hard to give my children the life they deserve filled with opportunities and love, I am beyond grateful and proud you are now fighting for my life and opportunities,” my mother says to me during these emotional times.
My mother ended up contacting my dad who was at work and while on my way to the protest in Los Angeles, he called me saying, “I am beyond proud of you mija, thank you for using your voice, not only for us, but for our people,” “It will be a long journey until a change is made, but this shows how ready people are for that change.” These words my parents spoke will forever stay with me and will help me remember the reason I marched on February 3, 2025.
Behind every journey and story shared, there are people looking for opportunities, safety, and a better life for themselves and their families. The land that is the United States today has a complex history that many forget. No one is truly “illegal,” as migration has always been a part of human history.
Photo by Celine Morones
The fight for fairness and the challenges many face should not be ignored. Standing up for justice and humanity brings everyone together for a better future in this divided country. As Yaritza Mendez, Director of Power to Win Initiatives, states, “Immigrants make the United States dynamic and strong. The people who sing this Solidarity Pledge will stand united against hate and will be a light in the face of darkness.” Every voice matters.
