Students from Iowa City West High School gathered on the Pentacrest Thursday afternoon after walking out of classes to protest the actions of ICE and the Trump administration’s immigration policies. They were joined by students from City High and Southeast Middle School, as well as students from the University of Iowa and other supporters outraged by the Trump administration’s actions in Minneapolis, including the killings of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross and Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents.
“This is about raising voices,” Tirza Overholt said. “This is about rising up.”
Overholt, a West High senior, organized the walkout along with Moss Stutsman, a junior, beginning a week ago. Overholt said she felt her privilege as someone who isn’t threatened by immigration agents, and wanted to use it on behalf of those who are.
Before the speeches began, the crowd of approximately 150 protesters marched around the Pentacrest, waving signs, blowing whistles and chanting, “What do we want? NO ICE! When do we want it? NOW!” “I-C-E O-U-T,” and “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here!”
Among the speakers after the march was Iowa City Councilmember Oliver Weilein, who praised the students for being willing to stand up for their beliefs.
“You have way more power than you realize,” he told them. “Never sell yourself short.”
Overholt also talked about the sense of pride she felt in her fellow students for standing up for the rights of others.
“It gives me so much hope,” she said. “Last year this time I was incredibly hopeless. I was scared for the future.”
But now, Overholt said she and her fellow students are determined to fight for the values they believe in.
