While many students brave the weather only to get between class and work, two students are routinely facing the snow and ICE by protesting in their free time.
Rafael Manzo Jr., a first-year Political Science major, has advocated for immigration rights since founding the nonprofit organization More Action for Students last January.
“We have been focusing on immigration because a lot of our members are Hispanic,” he said. “It’s just something that has to be done.”
Manzo and More Action for Students have organized protests about raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers throughout Northwest Indiana, including Hammond Central High School and Hammond City Hall. The protests attracted crowds of various sizes, from a few people to several hundred.
They have also partnered with other organizations to photograph recent ICE raids across Hammond, East Chicago and Gary. These photographs document vehicles, officers and the detained individuals.
“We need to emphasize safety for our students, because an increase in ICE [activity] and immigration crackdowns [has] really been deterring a lot of our [minority] students and our international students,” said Manzo.
ICE has been active in Northwest Indiana since October. Photos of ICE vehicles and officers at Hammond and East Chicago police departments, big-box store parking lots and residential streets have circulated in news outlets and on social media.
Emma Niewiedzial, a first-year Biology major, is frustrated that PNW has not addressed the issue with students.
“By not acknowledging it, the situation can feel even more daunting,” she said. “[A] little bit of reassurance helps.”
Niewiedzial has been attending protests since June. Her most recent was last month, a rally in Chicago.
“Attending protests was sad but beautiful,” she said. “It’s a beautiful and surreal feeling to be surrounded by thousands of people using their voices.”
Manzo said students who often feel powerless can help bring about change.
“A large part of change is contacting state legislators,” he said. “Students can find power in organizing and voting.”
