‘A Day Without Immigrants’: protestors gather in Urbana against Trump’s recent executive orders

Protesters on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Main Quad Monday held signs to show their opposition to President Trump's immigration policies. The sign on the left translates to: "The people united will never be divided." Editor's note: This image was altered to blur an obscenity.


URBANA –
Over 100 people gathered Monday on the Main Quad at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to participate in a “Day Without Immigrants” protest. The demonstration was part of a nationwide movement calling for reforms to President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders on immigration and the recent uptick in immigration arrests conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials around the country. 

The past weekend saw several protests emerge around the country in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and others. The demonstration in Urbana took on a celebratory nature, with music, dancing, food and community. 

“Everything’s really scary right now, so it’s nice to just come together and hang out,” said Benny Benavides, a U of I senior and member of La Colectiva, a Hispanic student organization focused on social justice. 

A flyer promoting the event urged people to come “chill at the quad.” Many have been uncertain about protesting on campus, following the U of I’s recent amendments over the summer to their policies around demonstrations, which opponents say are intentionally ambiguous.

“Everyone wants to do something right now but a lot of people are scared of everything with ICE, but also because of the University protest policy,” added Benavides. Campus officials were present throughout the demonstration.

Since Trump took office, ICE agents have arrested more than 7,400 people without legal status across the U.S., according to CBS Austin. These raids have upset many in the U of I community.

“As immigrant workers, contributing to the society and economy, rather than giving them sanctuary, they are being deported. I think it’s a crime against humanity… These sorts of demonstrations can make [that] more visible,” said Ken Salo, U of I clinical assistant professor in urban and regional planning.

More than 8 million immigrants without legal status are employed in the U.S., making up about 5% of the national workforce. The majority are of Latino origin. In order to highlight their contributions to the country, immigrants were urged on Monday not to go to school, go to work or spend money. 

Protestors hold signs and flags in front of the Illini Union at the “Day Without Immigrants” protest Monday. Editor’s note: The image was altered to blur obscenities. Kayla Constabileo / Illinois Student Newsroom

At UIUC, the Latino community, which makes up about 15% of the student body, came out to show solidarity with the immigrant community, many skipping class to do so.

“I came to use my voice for those who can’t use their own, and I came to show the impact that Latinos have on this campus and the entire nation,” said U of I junior Hernan Zavalas.

For some students, the issue is deeply personal, affecting themselves and their families.

“My immigrant family is literally the reason why I’m here at U of I. They sacrificed so much by coming to this country,” said U of I freshman Leo Sarmiento. 

“A Day Without Immigrants” protests have been used in the past to protest anti-immigration policies. Activists say they’ll continue to hold events and demonstrations in support of the immigrant community and the affected student body.

La Colectiva plans to host a “Know Your Rights” event on Friday, Feb. 7, to provide training and make educational materials available so people know what to do if they encounter an ICE agent.

U of I students in need of support can contact Ross Wantland at the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. If students need emotional support at any point in the semester, they can contact the ALAS confidential group at undocumented@illinois.edusaid Samantha Martin, president of Illinois Coalition Assisting Undocumented Students’ Education, or  I-CAUSE.

Additional local immigrant services resources compiled by IPM News can be found here.

Illinois Student Newsroom

At the IPM Student Newsroom, journalism students from the U of I's College of Media work alongside professional journalists -- public radio reporters, editors and producers -- to produce multimedia stories on issues affecting east-central Illinois. Follow on Instagram: Illinois Student Newsroom