By: Samuel Rocha IV
The busiest intersection in Alamo Heights was crowded with roughly 50 students from both Trinity University and the University of the Incarnate Word on Monday at noon.
TU human communications student Kennedi Heim, 19, organized the event through social media and wanted to gather like-minded individuals to express their concerns against ICE and condemn their actions towards immigrants.
Heim chose the intersection between Broadway and Hildebrand because of the high traffic of commuters coming in from Highway 281, but also to encourage the neighboring university.
“We wanted to encourage [other] institutions to walk out and stand up against ICE,” Heim said.
She briefly mentioned her desire for universities to prioritize “having an action plan” if ICE were to visit any campus in San Antonio.
Eli Cohen, 20, is a UIW communication arts student and says his campus hasn’t put in enough effort when it comes to contributing to nationwide protests.
“I see nobody walking out. Nobody even knows that today is an ice out protest, and Trinity is willing to do it being only like a couple miles from us,” Cohen said.
College students gathered today and protested against ICE after multiple violent interactions with U.S. citizens in Minnesota last month.
Two U.S. citizens were shot and killed by the hands of ICE officers – Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three, on Jan. 7, and intensive care nurse Alex Pretti on Jan. 24 – which sparked nationwide outrage, including San Antonio.
Although Cohen was a lone Cardinal representing his viewpoints on law enforcement issues, he stood proud with fellow college students exercising their right of protest.
“It’s a little scary because I really don’t know anybody, but I think it’s still important to exercise my rights,” Cohen said. “At a time where those are seeming to be undermined, especially the right to protest peacefully. It’s just awesome to be here.”
