UC Santa Barbara Students Protest Against ICE, Demand Change

More than 300 students from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) participated in a march on March 15, 2023, to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and current government policies perceived as harmful to immigrant communities in the area. Gathering at the campus’s Eternal Flame, participants displayed signs with messages such as “Immigrants Are Welcome Here” and “ICE Out,” while chanting the slogan “Chinga la migra.”

Organizers noted that the turnout marked one of the largest immigration-focused protests on the UCSB campus in recent years. Volunteers provided face masks to help participants remain anonymous, along with flyers detailing chants, protest signs, and refreshments. The event highlighted rising concerns over recent ICE detentions in Santa Barbara County, particularly as over 1,600 individuals have reportedly been detained in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Santa Maria in recent months.

Cesar Vasquez, a Rapid Response organizer for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of solidarity with families affected by ICE actions. “Today, we’re here for the families and the people who cannot stand here with us,” Vasquez stated. “We’re mad. We’re sad. But we have to channel that energy to protect our people.”

Emotional Moments and Collective Action

As the gathering paused for a moment of silence to honor those impacted by ICE detentions, many students displayed visible emotion, embracing one another or bowing their heads. The protest resumed with participants chanting, “La migra, la policía, la misma porquería,” conveying a unified message against perceived injustices.

Vasquez encouraged the crowd, saying, “No matter where you come from, what you look like, or what you sound like, this is affecting all of us.” Shortly after 12:30 p.m., students began marching toward Campbell Hall, led by folklórico dancers in traditional attire. As they moved through campus, the crowd grew larger, joined by more students who chanted along and raised their signs in support.

UCSB student Marlin Rodriguez shared her motivation for participating. “This is a way to use my voice,” she said. “My parents are immigrants, and I come from an immigrant family. If I’m here, it’s because we want to share our voice and protect our community.”

The protest continued outside Campbell Hall, where some students climbed trees to display their signs. Participants took turns speaking through a megaphone, urging the university to take action against ICE’s presence. One student called for UCSB to protect its students from ICE, while another shared their personal experience of having a parent detained. “It’s about humanity at this point,” they stated. “We are human beings, and if we stick together, we’ll be okay.”

Call for Continued Advocacy and Community Support

As the march proceeded, music and drums accompanied the chants, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Vasquez reminded students that while protests are vital, they must also engage in ongoing actions to support families directly. He urged attendees to participate in community training and respond to ICE activities through organizations like SBResiste and 805 Undocufund.

“Protesting and reposting will never be enough,” he emphasized. “That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get involved; it just means you have to do more than just protest.”

Several speakers echoed Vasquez’s sentiments, calling for collective unity to support one another in light of perceived inadequacies in governmental protections for immigrant communities. “This is for our communities, our neighbors, and our loved ones,” Vasquez concluded.

The protest not only showcased the students’ commitment to advocating for immigrant rights but also highlighted the need for mutual support and community solidarity in the face of challenging circumstances.