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Student Protest Overpowers Anti-Immigrant Event at ASU

Hundreds of Arizona State University students rallied against a far-right student club’s anti-immigrant event on January 31, 2025, showing solidarity with their undocumented peers.

The protest, which was organized by immigrant advocacy groups, took place in response to an event held by College Republicans United. The group had set up a table at Hayden Library to provide information on how to report suspected undocumented students to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In what can only be described as a vibrant show of defiance, students marched through campus with signs reading “Education not deportation” and “Stand with ASU Dreamers,” chanting, “Down with deportation!” and “No hate, no fear, everyone is welcome here!” Their message was loud, clear, and filled with compassion.

Rallying Against Fear: A Show of Solidarity

The protest wasn’t just about pushing back against an event that many saw as harmful; it was also a chance to make a statement about inclusivity. For many students, this was personal.

Emily Sotelo, co-chair of Aliento at ASU, led the march to voice support for undocumented students, especially those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. “We wanted to send a message that the university is a safe space for all students, regardless of their immigration status,” Sotelo said. The march, which took place around the university’s central buildings, was a direct response to what many described as an act of intimidation aimed at vulnerable students.

ASU students protesting against anti-immigrant

Aliento, the student-run immigrant advocacy group at ASU, organized the protest as a counteraction to College Republicans United’s provocative event. This group, known for its controversial affiliations and actions, invited far-right figures like Jared Taylor, a white nationalist, to campus in previous years. Their most recent activity included encouraging students to anonymously report peers suspected of being undocumented.

Such actions sparked widespread criticism. Reyna Montoya, CEO and founder of Aliento, condemned the event, emphasizing the real-world impact of fear-based tactics on DACA recipients and undocumented students. “They’re trying to create a culture of fear,” Montoya said. “Our response should be activism, love, and standing up for those who need our support.”

Students Speak Up: Personal Stories of Resilience

Among the protesters, emotions ran high. Ayla Moreno, a student who stumbled onto the protest by accident, shared her personal connection to the cause. With tears in her eyes, Moreno expressed the hurt she felt hearing about a movement that aimed to remove students like her grandparents from the community. “My grandparents came here seeking a better life, and to see this hate today… it’s heartbreaking,” she said.

Moreno wasn’t alone in her feelings. The protest wasn’t just about fighting back against the College Republicans United; it was also about showing that undocumented students are part of the ASU community, that their struggles are real, and that they deserve support. For many, it felt like a family, a united front against policies that threaten their right to an education.

As the protestors gathered in front of the Memorial Union, speeches were delivered with conviction, calling for a future free of division and hate. The mood was charged with passion and resilience, reinforcing the idea that every student, regardless of their immigration status, has a right to learn and grow without fear of being reported or targeted.

A Controversial Clash: The Larger Debate

At the heart of the ASU protest lies a deeper, national conversation about the treatment of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The event organized by College Republicans United and the students’ response highlight the polarized climate in American politics regarding immigration.

For students like Sotelo and Moreno, the protest wasn’t just an isolated event. It was part of a much larger battle against the criminalization of immigrants and the systemic issues they face. “This protest isn’t just for us,” Sotelo remarked, “It’s for the future generations who deserve the same opportunities.”

The issue also brings up important questions about university policy. With the rise of similar groups on college campuses nationwide, institutions are being pushed to respond to divisive events. ASU’s student body made its stance clear on this occasion, but many wonder what role universities should play in protecting marginalized groups from hate-driven actions.

For now, the protest at ASU stands as a testament to the power of solidarity in the face of adversity. But as the debate continues to unfold, one thing remains certain: students across the nation are speaking up, and they won’t be silenced.

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