Students rally on campus to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement
By Aryle McCutcheon | Staff writer
Approximately 50 students gathered at noon on Friday, Jan. 23, on Augusta University’s Summerville Campus to protest United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, criticizing the agency’s enforcement practices and treatment of immigrants.
Chanting “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here,” protesters marched from the Teardrop to the Science Building to University Hall as students and faculty walked by.
Freshman Maddy Meltzer, who helped lead the demonstration, said the protest was organized to raise awareness about immigration enforcement policies and what protesters described as inhumane conditions in detention centers.
“They are snatching people out of their homes,” said Meltzer, a freshman radiation therapy major from Atlanta.
Several students said ICE’s actions create fear within immigrant communities and result in family separations. Protesters also said they hoped to counter political rhetoric that portrays immigrants as criminals.
“Being an immigrant is not a crime,” said a student protester, noting that immigration violations are generally civil offenses rather than criminal ones.
AU students with a protest sign. At the top of the page, students assemble in front of University Hall on the Summerville Campus. (photos by Lara Shayeb/the Bell Ringer)
Other speakers emphasized empathy and moral responsibility toward immigrants and those suspected of being undocumented.
“These are not criminals; these are people,” said a fellow student protester, referencing biblical teachings that encourage compassion and care for others.
The protest ended after Augusta University Police arrived and informed demonstrators that they did not have the required permit and were blocking access to University Hall.
Before dispersing, yet another protester encouraged participants to continue their advocacy beyond the protest.
“Call your representatives and senators,” she said. “If we want change, we have to stay involved.”
Contact Aryle McCutcheon at amccutcheon@augusta.edu.
