Standing Against Deportation: McAllen Protest Highlights Immigration Fears

On February 1, 2025, there was a big protest in McAllen, Texas, against President Trump’s plan to deport a lot of people. Hundreds of people gathered in the city to show they disagreed with the government’s actions. The new immigration policies are making a lot of people scared. Many immigrants are afraid to go to work because ICE is showing up at their jobs. ICE is also going to places that used to be safe, like schools, churches, and hospitals.
“Leslie Santillan, a 10th grader, said, “Donald Trump didn’t put his hand on the Bible.” The Bible says to love your neighbors, and Trump is not doing that.”
Because of these policies, people are protesting all over the world. Many believe that ICE is targeting people based on race and making life harder for immigrant families.
“I think it’s unfair for everyone because they judge people by their appearance. If you look, Mexican, ICE will stop you, assume you’re illegal, and arrest you,” Victoria Rendon, a 12th grader, added.
One of the biggest concerns is how these policies affect students.
“Schools should be safe places,” said Kiara Perales.
The fear is affecting students’ education. It makes it harder for them to learn and can cause them stress.
“It makes students scared to go to school, and some might even stop going,” said Leslie Santillan, a 10th grader.
Some believe that ICE should not be going into specific spaces at all. Once considered safe places, churches are also being affected by ICE enforcement. Churches are supposed to be places where people feel secure, but now people are afraid to go. The fear of deportation extends beyond just individuals. It affects entire families.
“I don’t think people should be sent back to Mexico because they have families here and work hard,” said Jocelyn Torres, a 9th grader.
Beyond the emotional impact, some worry about the economic effects of deportation.
“Deporting people is bad for the economy. Many immigrants work hard, and we rely on them,” said Stephanie Reyes, also in 9th grade. She added, “Many immigrants work hard and pay their taxes, so they should be allowed to stay.”
People are asking for changes to immigration policies that treat people fairly and with respect. Until then, many immigrants live in fear, unsure of what will happen next.