Around 400 San Marcos High School students walked out of class at 10:38 a.m. on Tuesday to protest U.S. immigration policies. The students marched down Hollister Avenue, chanting and holding signs that read “Protege la Raza” and “Honk if you support families standing together.” They were protesting the Trump administration’s policies allowing ICE agents to make arrests at public schools.
The protest, organized by the school’s MEChA club, aimed to raise awareness about the fear these policies have caused among students. The march went from the school to the Magnolia shopping center and back, with honking cars showing support along the way.
Fatima Arias-Zarate and Johanna Gomez-Lopez, MEChA co-presidents, emphasized their mission to empower Latino and Chicano youth and promote unity. The walkout also attracted non-club members like Luca Zadeh and Amy Amador, who joined to support the cause.
Community members, including one man named “John M.,” came out to support the students, ensuring their safety during the protest. Some cars drove by with negative comments, but supporters were there to protect the students.
Assistant Principal Alex Sheldon and other school staff monitored the walkout, which lasted until 12:30 p.m. Ed Zuchelli, spokesperson for the Santa Barbara Unified School District, praised the students for engaging in their community and expressing their views.
Student Carmen Esparza summed up the protest, saying, “This demonstration is to help show what the cause of the effects are.”
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