Arizona Students Lead Walkouts Against ICE Ahead of National Protest
In Arizona, students have taken a bold stand against immigration enforcement practices, organizing walkouts in approximately 20 high schools. These actions are part of a larger movement that is gaining momentum nationwide and is set to culminate in a significant protest on January 30.
The protests, known as “ICE Outs,” are driven by concerns over the tactics employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and recent incidents involving ICE-related deaths. Participants are encouraged to refrain from attending work or school and to avoid shopping on the protest day.
Originating from Somali and Black student groups based in Minneapolis, the initiative calls for nationwide student involvement. In Arizona, social media posts indicate that a walkout is planned at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus on Friday.
This movement comes in the wake of a report by The Bulwark, suggesting Phoenix could become a focal point for ICE activities. Despite these concerns, Phoenix police have stated they do not employ the controversial tactics often associated with the federal agency.
Additionally, the Pinal County prosecutor maintains an enforcement agreement with ICE, despite the county’s Board of Supervisors declaring it void. This ongoing collaboration underscores the complex relationship between local and federal enforcement agencies.
The protests are further fueled by recent ICE-related shootings, including the death of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has expressed unease about potential increases in immigration enforcement in Phoenix, following a fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota.
Nationwide protests continue in response to these events, with Phoenix seeing significant gatherings for consecutive nights. Demonstrators are particularly vocal about the killing of a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother, who was shot in her vehicle by an ICE agent.
