Astoria, Ore. – On February 19, students at the University of Oregon gathered in a powerful display of resistance to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The protest, organized by UO Mecha, featured a walk-out, rally, and march through the campus, calling for an end to hate and showing support for immigrant families and friends.
The demonstration, which aimed to challenge the divisive rhetoric surrounding immigration, was peaceful, with organizers urging participants to adhere to proper protest etiquette throughout the event. Among those who spoke at the rally was a student who identified as an immigrant, proudly declaring, “I come from immigrants. I am an immigrant, and if you’re going to call me an illegal immigrant, make sure you put educated in front of it, because that’s what we are.”
The sentiment expressed by this student resonated deeply with many who gathered. The protest served as a call for recognition of the contributions made by immigrants, while also rejecting the dehumanizing language often used to describe them. UO Mecha emphasized that the event was not only a stand against policies seen as harmful to immigrant communities, but also a celebration of immigrant identity and resilience.
The rally, which drew a diverse group of students and community members, reflects the growing movement across western Oregon against Trump’s immigration stance. As tensions surrounding immigration continue to rise, students in Eugene made their voices heard, affirming their commitment to supporting their peers and fighting for justice and inclusion.
The protest in Eugene is part of a larger wave of demonstrations in various cities across the country, as communities rally against immigration policies that they believe fuel division and discrimination.
