Students in Reno-Sparks Rally Against ICE Enforcement
In a wave of student activism, high schools in the Reno-Sparks region joined a nationwide protest on January 30, targeting ICE enforcement and policies of the Trump Administration. Demonstrations, marked by students carrying signs and flags, kicked off around noon.
At AACT High School, students converged and made their way towards the QuikStop located at Pembroke and McCarran. Among the organizers was Amber, a student whose sign declared, “Fight for Our Rights.” The demonstration held deep personal significance for her.
“One of my best friends who lives in Henderson, was abducted by ICE about two weeks ago,” Amber explained. “So, I planned this protest for AACT. I wanted to show the world that we are not scared, and I wanted to show the world that the youth knows what’s going on,” she stated.
Amber participated to advocate for those unable to speak out, while also expressing her own concerns about being targeted.
“I am half Mexican, and I don’t have an ID. If ICE was here, I’d be screwed. I don’t have an ID on me. It’s horrible. Being racially profiled is one of the worst things that could ever happen, and it sucks when it happens to you,” she shared.
Meanwhile, at Debbie Smith High School, the sidewalks near Sutro Street and McCarran Boulevard were filled with protesting students. Among them, Atticus and Tony attracted attention with the flags they wore—an American flag and a Mexican flag, respectively.
Atticus explained their choice, saying, “I want people to know that to be a real patriot in this country, you have to understand the constitution that we signed almost 250 years ago, and abide by the laws in it. This country was built by people immigrating here, and we got to respect and love each other.”
Atticus elaborated on the symbolism of their flags, expressing a desire to promote unity. “I thought it would be cool if I wore an American flag, because my family’s been here since the revolution. And I was like, Tony, what if I go get you a flag from Mexico and we wear them together? We’re good friends, and we want to spread unity,” he said.
Contribution to this report was made by KUNR student reporter Emilio Milo.
