On Wednesday, high schools in Bakersfield led a peaceful protest, showing their solidarity for those who cannot use their own voice. Students from Mira Monte, Del Oro, Stockdale, West, and Bakersfield High Schools were a few of the schools in attendance. Many walked out of class at 9 am beginning their march to City Hall then to the Kern County Superior Court — a walk that took about two hours for some on the east side of Bakersfield.
Students were also escorted by Rapid Response volunteers who ensured the safety of students throughout the protest. Other community members brought water and snacks for students and volunteers.
Many shared why this walkout is important to them and what they hope comes from this.
“We are here protesting ICE, mass deportations. It’s wrong, no one is here illegally on stolen land, Trump’s mass deportations are wrong. The country would not survive without immigrants, the majority of farm workers are immigrants. Don’t bite the hands that feed you,” explained Scott Morgan, a student from Stockdale High School.
“I’m here because all my family have worked so far to get to where they are now and I am not letting anyone take that away from them at all,” said a freshman who wished not to share their identity.
The community of students gathered today has shown that regardless of where you come from everyone should be treated equally without prejudice or discrimination. The student-led protest highlighted that the recent immigration policies have impacted many students here in Kern County. With the rise of mass deportations, many fear the increase in families being separated and targeted by ICE agents.
“I’m out here today because a lot of innocent children are being ripped apart from their families and a lot of these families are hard-working people,” shared one student. “They bring our community together, if it wasn’t for them, we would not be anywhere. All of those people are innocent, they come for a dream in this country and that’s why it’s important. That’s why I am here. My mom was an immigrant, she is a citizen now but it was really difficult.”
“We are coming together today as a community against immigration coming to our schools and in Kern County. This is a really big movement because everyone in the community came together, they brought water, food, snacks, everything. I hope they hear us, I hope it changes,” said Vanessa Hurtado, a student at Del Oro High School.
“I came here because I have family that are also immigrants. I think it’s important for everyone to show up here to support all the different people and even their own families. It’s a strong feeling to be here. It makes me feel very emotional and I think everyone should continue showing up because this is amazing,” said another student from Del Oro.
Besides the students in the crowd, many adults were also present, showing their support for the young leaders’ message. Destiny, a parent whose two children participated in the peaceful demonstration, shares why she chose to attend.
“I am here to support all the Mexican families. I have family from Mexico, you know. So I don’t think it’s right that they are trying to kick us out of our own country when this was our land before. We are not illegal. If it wasn’t for us they wouldn’t be eating vegetables or everything,” stated Destiny. “I’m here to support my Mom as well. She’s from Mexico. This isn’t right. I don’t agree with anything that Donald Trump is doing right now, you know. I’m here because my kids are here so I am out here with them. So maybe Donald Trump will listen to us. We are always going to fight. The Raza is always going to fight together. SI SE PUEDE.”
President Trump is still, however, trying to revoke birthright citizenship which will affect many across the United States.
In a recent leaked document released by the LA Times- Immigration and Border Patrol officials will be conducting one of the largest raids throughout Los Angeles. President Trump has since issued and signed the executive order expanding the migrant operations center in Guantanamo Bay and having immigrants sent there. The infamous facility is known for the use and torture of certain individuals after 9/11.
