Cerritos College students walked out for immigrant rights on Feb. 25 from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The walkout was planned since the beginning of February along with poster-making sessions, what routes to take on campus, chants and pre-plan guest speakers.
The walkout was planned in partnership with ASCC, the Humanitarian Club, the Psychology Club, the Immigrant Student Alliance and the Helping Hands Project.
Students and faculty members who wanted to participate in the walkout gathered in front of the library.
Many other students and faculty members joined in while the protest was going on.
Posters and red cards were handed out to the protesters at the start of the protest to make sure everyone participating had something to show.
The red cards were to inform those who are undocumented of their rights.
Angelina Escobar, a sociology major, made more than 50 posters with her classmates.
“Defund ICE,” “Nobody is illegal on stolen land,” “ No human is illegal,” and “All families who have immigrants are welcome,” was written on some of the posters.
“Education is a right, not a privilege,” Amanda Monterey, president of the Helping Hands Project club said.
She continued, “Cerritos College stands with undocumented students wholeheartedly, hears them, sees them and stands with the undocumented.”
Dr. Jose Fierro, Cerritos College president, was not present for the walkout.
Iveth Diáz, a facilitator for the UndocuFalcon Scholars Program, attended the walkout and said, “I’m here for students to feel validated and supported.”
Oscar Oliva, a political science major, took a stand during the protests with emotion and shared some words to inform all the attendees, “What’s going on in today’s world is nothing new, we’ve been here before.”
Oliva also shared that he is an immigrant and that these new policies affect him directly.
During the walkout, the crowd shouted, “Defund ICE,” “Immigrants are here to stay” and “Donald Trump has to go.”
Aiden Christalino, a biology major, said he came out to support the walkout because he cares for his people and has love for our community – for those who build us a foundation.
“Fuck Donald Trump,” Christalino shouted during the walkout.
He continued, “Donald Trump has built his entire Legacy off of exploitation, deceit, manipulation, lies and greed. That is not something that is American or democratic and not something that we should have in our office – much less leading this nation”
Christalino felt inspired to see so many people willing to take a stand and make a difference.
Monterey said that this walkout was not only about the movement but about spreading awareness, showing peaceful support to those affected and ensuring that students should never fear to be on campus due to the fear of ICE.
Cerritos College plans to have future meetings to showcase Latin culture and do initiatives to support undocumented immigrants.
