The viral “Day Without Immigrants” strike inspired many protests around the country on Thursday, standing against the so-called travel ban, proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall, and other remarks from President Trump. In the border state of Texas, children of immigrants followed suit with their own event.
High school seniors in Austin, Texas, made a Facebook chat about the national “Day Without Immigrants” protest and decided to organize a peaceful march in solidarity.
A common chant throughout the march’s mile-long journey from city hall to the state Capitol was “el pueblo unido jamás será vencido,” which roughly translates to “the people united will never be defeated” in English.
Lisbeth Soto, one of the organizers and a senior at Austin’s Anderson high school, said she’s not surprised the march became popular so quickly since social media helps things go viral. She does, however, hope the protests across the country remain peaceful and goal-focused.
“We wanted a peaceful protest because we’re here to prove that we want to stay here, that we deserve to stay here,” Soto told the Daily Dot. “We decided to come here and bring American flags instead of other countries’ flags because, if we want to stay here, we should show that we are appreciative of being here in this country.”
Lizbeth Soto (organizer), unknown, Zaira Garcia-Gutierrez (organizer)
Photo by Audrey Browning
Soto, who was born in the U.S., said fear from her undocumented family and friends about the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Austin made her want to stand up for the silenced.
Texas state Sen. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) echoed a similar belief and hopes this tactic inspires both social and legislative change at the city, state, and federal levels.
“It’s good to see people stand up for themselves and demand recognition of the many contributions they make,” Garcia told the Dot via email. “I applaud their nonviolent response to a hateful climate. Where there is hate, let us spread love.”
Many other participants expressed similar inspirations and backgrounds, usually alluding to the Trump administration’s policies and opinions on immigration.
“[My mom] crossed the border at 12 years old and almost died. People don’t understand how hard it is,” said July Jasper, a protester and senior at Austin’s Manor High School. “I’m here for a future. We have dreams. We will not be stopped.”
Yulisa Maldonado, Angel Bravo, July Jasper, all seniors at Manor High School
Photo by Audrey Browning
Austin’s march wasn’t alone. People gathered in other cities across the country, and some showed their solidarity on social media.
Immigrants lead over 70 Fortune 500 companies & are about 25% of US Nobel laureates. They strengthen our communities. #DayWithoutImmigrants
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) February 16, 2017
Shoutout to the people who came here with empty pockets and dreams, and worked their asses off to make a living. #DayWithoutImmigrants
— R I D A (@freespiritrida) February 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/itzzkait/status/832287868378824707
#DayWithoutImmigrants Most of the Mexican workers at my company didn't show up today. In their absence, I'm seeing how badly we need them.
— Jonny (@yoshifan331) February 16, 2017
Not everyone, however, was so supportive. The issue sparked political passions across social media.
President Trump is ABSOLUTELY NOT against immigrants, he is against ILLEGAL ALIENS. Stop confusing the two.#DayWithoutImmigrants
— Makada (@_Makada_) February 16, 2017
Rooting for I.C.E. every day but especially today because it's #DayWithoutImmigrants pic.twitter.com/bS9ZF26l44
— Paul Nehlen (@pnehlen) February 16, 2017
Is today a #daywithoutimmigrants or, more accurately, a day without illegals? We may find out we don't need them so badly after all
— Dinesh D'Souza (@DineshDSouza) February 16, 2017
Sergio Vasquez and Victor Castillo, protesters in the Austin march, claim immigrants have earned their right to be in America.
“We contribute to the community just like anyone else,” Castillo said. “We claim [our right] to be here because we contribute. A lot of people are afraid. We are here for them.”
Correction: Lisbeth Soto was born in the U.S.