Since the beginning of the year, Americans across the country have been mobilizing to protect dreamers and citizens alike-- and that includes our very home of Passaic County.
As Donald Trump has swept his way into the presidential office yet again, he has cracked down on targeting immigrants, specifically those of Latin descent. While the originally spoken goal was to arrest undocumented criminals, many groups of minorities have reported I.C.E. (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids attacking law-abiding locals. In an area built upon the backs of migrant families, this undoubtedly has stirred our urban community.
In response to the current political climate, labor advocacy group Make the Road New Jersey organized a peaceful protest on Saturday, February 8th.
Launched at the corner of Passaic Avenue and Paulison Avenue, the walk aimed to call for the protection of immigrants across the state.
The organization successfully organized hundreds of supporters as they marched around Passaic for over an hour. It quickly became a hub for news coverage, with channels like NBC and FOX interviewing attendees and video recording.
As the protesters made their way through downtown, dozens of bilingual chants echoed down the streets, such as "Say it loud, say it clear, dreamers are welcome here," and "Aqui estamos, y no nosvamos," which translates to "We are here, and we are not leaving" in English.
Vehicles passing by honked their horns in approval, some rolling down their windows to join in. Residents of Pasasic also showed their support, with many cheering the protests on from their porches and windows.
Countless working-class migrants and allies of the cause were present, but it's not just the older generations taking a stance.
On that same date, I was approached by a young student from Passaic County Technical Institute concerning a rally she was coordinating at Paterson's City Hall.
As just a junior in high school, Jaclyn longed to make a difference and fight for immigrant rights. Her Mexican roots encouraged this want for protests, she affirmed, since a large number of deportations are those of Mexican heritage.
Jaclyn expressed the urgency in taking action, writing "Families belong together" on her promotional flyers. She hopes to motivate her fellow high school students at PCTI to assemble and challenge these mass arrests.
Additionally, President Tiffany Guerrero of the Student Government Association also recognizes the importance of educating college students on I.C.E. and its impact. As PCCC is a Hispanic-serving institution and the vast majority of its populace are racial minorities, keeping our community in the loop of current events and their effect on the population is important to their well-being. Her unique position as a Mexican-American leader gives President Guerrero a distinct perspective when making decisions to aid the student body.
"As a first-generation Chicana, I take great pride in ensuring that students know they are not alone. If you need support, there are resources available right here in Passaic County for immigrants. Whether it’s legal aid, community organizations, Know Your Rights resources, or emergency hotlines, help is within reach. Don’t hesitate to seek support—you deserve to be heard, protected, and empowered."
President Guerrero strives to advocate for PCCC students and create a safe space for them. She aims to obtain and distribute red information cards displaying citizenship rights to students in need. "If you need cards or resources, you can walk into the Founders Hall office or ask any SGA leaders."
If an officer approaches you, know your rights. Refer to the flyer below for steps to take and resources to follow.
Links:
National Immigration Law Center
"Viral red ‘Know Your Rights' cards gain attention amid immigration crackdown"
"Passaic rally protests ICE raids that don't target just criminal immigrants"
"'Free-for-all': ICE isn't just targeting immigrants with criminal histories"
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