Perla Cortez EDINBURG – More than 30 students attended a walkout held on UTRGV’s campuses to advocate for human rights and speak out against immigration agents on Feb. 2.
The “Be The Hero” walkout was an organized event by two students on the Edinburg and Brownsville campus.
Noah Ramos, Edinburg social studies sophomore, said the event was their first walkout to take part in on campus and he hopes to see more protests in the future.
“I do disagree with what [ICE is] doing and I know there has been some popping up in Donna here and there in Harlingen as well,” Ramos said. “I believe that everyone should have a chance to live the way they want to live, even if they’re illegal or legal.”
Bryanna Terrazas, computer science and English junior said she’s been to multiple protests in the past including the “No Kings” protest in McAllen on 10th street last year.
“I hate everything that’s going on right now,” Terrazas said. “I just, I really want to make a difference. And, if that is by standing here and, you know, protesting against all of the atrocities that ICE is like committing, and I will do that, you know?”
Although the walkout had a peaceful turn out on both campuses, Sayra Alejandra Matu, Brownsville history junior, said she expected more than 40 students to participate on the Brownsville campus.
“It’s a nice feeling but at the same time, it’s strange to me that there aren’t many people. UTRGV is a school that serves Hispanic students, Latino students and it surprised me how many of us were walking.” Matu said in Spanish.
In response to the fatal shootings surrounding ICE, Kristi Noem said in a X post, its federal agents will now have a body camera attached for more insight during immigration operations.
KVAQ-TV will provide updates on the outcome.
