Students lead rally against federal immigration enforcement

COEUR d'ALENE — Students gathered beneath the gazebo in Bluegrass Park in Coeur d'Alene on Friday, holding signs and cheering as their peers stood one at a time atop a picnic table to speak out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"We are here today because the Constitution does not have exceptions," said Lake City High School senior Shantaya Esler, an American flag draped over her shoulders. 

"It does not say, 'Liberty and justice for some. It does not say due process only if you are white or only if you were born here. It does not say that your safety depends on your immigration status. The Fifth Amendment guarantees due process of law. The Fourth Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law."

Shantaya said those words do not disappear at the border. 

"They do not disappear because somebody speaks a different language," she said. "They do not disappear because someone came here seeking safety, survival or opportunity."

And yet, Shantaya said, communities across the U.S. are witnessing Constitutional rights being treated like suggestions.

"We are watching people detained who are not violent criminals — we are watching hardworking parents, people who pay taxes, raise children, build businesses, attend church and sit next to us in class taken away as if they are threats," Shantaya said. "Children are being torn from their parents. Kids are leaving school early, not because they're skipping class, but because they are afraid that their mom and dad might not be there when they get home."

Shantaya organized the demonstration for 11:55 a.m., when school let out, to provide an outlet for students who oppose I.C.E. actions in America's communities and schools. A large group of students, accompanied by a smaller group of supportive community members, walked west on Hanley Avenue to the park.

Among the sea of signs were such phrases as "Liberty and justice for all," "Everyone is human," "Anti-fascist," "I.C.E. out," and "Fight ignorance, not immigrants."

Freshman Cooper Brandt said he felt good participating in the rally.

"I am feeling like I am exercising my First Amendment rights for freedom of speech," he said. "I'm glad that me and my fellow community members can come together and we can be one and protest what we think is wrong."

Lucy Ceniceros, a freshman, walked alongside Shantaya at the front of the protest. On her sign were the words, "WWII again?"

"I'm from Mexican heritage. My grandfather came over here to support his family," Lucy said. "They came over here to make a better life for my family, and without my grandfather being here, I would not be here."

Coeur d'Alene resident Alice Arambarri joined the peaceful protest, wearing a "Be Kind" ball cap. Her granddaughter participated in the rally as part of Lake City's Helping Other People Everywhere Club.

"The organizers are just outstanding," Arambarri said. "I'm just so proud of them for standing up for what is right."

Another Coeur d'Alene resident and Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy graduate, Brett Green, also attended to show his support for the students.

"I think that they can be proud of themselves for showing such independence at a time when you're still legally a kid," he said. "You're already willing to make your own decision about what matters most to you, even if it means coloring a little outside the lines."

    Students cheer as Shantaya Esler gives opening remarks on Friday during an anti-I.C.E. demonstration in Bluegrass Park in Coeur d'Alene.

    Ronan Tweedy, a Lake City High School junior, voices opposition to I.C.E. during a student-led protest Friday in Coeur d'Alene.
  

  

    Sophomore Gabriella Johnson and freshman Cooper Brandt participate in Friday's I.C.E. protest outside of Lake City High School. The student-led rally took place after the school day concluded.
  

    Brent Green of Coeur d'Alene and other community members gather across the street from Lake City High School to show their support ahead of Friday's student-led anti-I.C.E. demonstration.