Coachella Valley High School students march to city hall to protest ICE activity
THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) - Students from Coachella Valley High School, along with students from other campuses, walked out of class and marched to Coachella City Hall on Friday morning.
The student-led demonstration was organized in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of a national day of action.
"I'm so thankful to have the chance to come and speak for the people who can’t, there's some people who can't go to work or get groceries," said Stephanie Meza, student at Cahuilla Desert Academy.
Earlier this week, students at La Quinta High School announced plans for a similar protest, as school officials warned against walkouts and reminded families about attendance policies.
Superintendent Dr. Frances Esparza leading the march to city hall in order to ensure the safety of her students, with water and snacks and available.
"Our Director of Safety and security, along with, several leadership staff from the district office, gathered this week. We created plan safety and security plans to ensure that students had water. They had, first aid kits in case anybody had any issues with heat exhaustion," Esparza said.
Supervisor Manuel Perez also voicing his support, calling their participation in the national day of action, a courageous step.
"The message is very simple, obviously they have a lot of courage. I believe, for deciding to take this role on, but let's do it nonviolently," Perez said.
