WSU students protest Trump administration’s immigration crackdown

About 100 students gathered at Washington State University on Wednesday to protest executive orders from the Trump administration aimed at increasing deportations and tightening border security. 

Sebastian Walker, a WSU student, organized the protest. He said he wanted to bring awareness to immigration issues. 

“People are here with different circumstances, and they just came here to have a better chance in life,” he said. 

Walker said his uncle was deported to Mexico after being unable to obtain citizenship in the United States. 

“They’re worse off than they were before they left,” he said.

Breana Ramirez, a student at Washington State University, was among one of the protesters on Wednesday. (Credit: Connor Henricksen / NWPB)

Breana Ramirez was another student who attended the protest. 

“I personally am a product of immigration myself. My grandparents came here illegally, (they) were granted amnesty with the Reagan administration,” Ramirez said. “So thankfully, they’re legal now. But not everyone today has those opportunities.”

Emily Martin, another protester, said she feels there hasn’t been enough coverage on social media. She said she hopes protests like these will help to contribute to something larger.

“I don’t know how much change we’ll actually be able to make, but I think just the effort is something that counts in itself,” Martin said.

Emily Martin holds a sign during Wednesday’s protest. (Credit: Connor Henricksen / NWPB)