On January 30th, many Renton High School students joined a peaceful protest against the injustice and discrimination that is happening in our country due to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The protest was led by students using signs and megaphones to spread awareness about ICE in our state and how they will not be silenced about the racism ICE is spreading when it comes to POC and immigrants around the US. Many students, estimating between 30 – 40 students, participated in the walk marching to protest ICE with the message that ICE should be stopped.
Students walked from Renton High School to Renton City Hall accompanied by principal Andrew O’Connell and assistant principal Rashaad Powell for safety. Renton Police Department also accompanied students at City Hall to show their support. Many students used megaphones to express how they are feeling and why students need to stand together against ICE. Farouk Mardini, Hilt Branch, and Sailor Prince stood in front of their peers and expressed how ICE is not going to stop them and that students should always speak up against discrimination and report any hate crimes that they may witness. Other students also spoke up in front of their peers sharing how ICE has impacted them, and why they will not be silenced.
After almost an hour of protesting at City Hall, they went on their way walking to the Tesla dealership, and then to the Renton Landing. RHS students continued their journey marching and protesting as one in the Renton community until 2:00 pm when the protest ended.
The protest wasn’t just at RHS, they were happening throughout the district, state, country, and all around the world bringing awareness to everyone who has been affected by ICE.
