LAFAYETTE, La. – On Saturday morning, a group of young protesters took to the streets of Lafayette to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump’s proposed deportation plan, which aims to implement the largest deportation effort in U.S. history. The plan, which prioritizes the removal of violent criminals, has created widespread fear within immigrant communities, particularly among Hispanic and Latino families.
The demonstration, marked by the presence of children as young as 10, began with a simple, yet powerful message. Holding signs and chanting “no justice, no peace,” the protesters made it clear that they were standing against a policy they believe threatens their families and communities.
Weiser Nieto, a 10-year-old protester, addressed the crowd with a voice that resonated deeply with many. “Immigrants are scared right now,” he said, capturing the growing anxiety in the immigrant community. Nieto explained that he feared the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has been accused of separating families as part of deportation efforts. “ICE is knocking on their doors, separating families, and that has gotten me scared,” he said.
The demonstration highlights the pressing concern of immigrant families, particularly in Lafayette, where more than 20,000 Latinos live. For many, the threat of deportation is no longer a distant worry, but a harsh reality that affects their daily lives. Data from 2022 shows that Latinos make up a significant portion of the population in Lafayette, underscoring the widespread concern among this community.
Ana, a protester originally from Honduras, shared how the current climate of fear has impacted her neighborhood. “In my neighborhood where I live, people don’t want to get out [of their homes], but I believe in God, and by believing in God, I came and well, I’m afraid but here I am,” she said, expressing both her fear and her determination to stand up for her rights.
Despite the ongoing anxiety, Ana and many others have remained resolute in their commitment to the cause. Valeria Rico Arellano, a first-generation student, emphasized the importance of unity in the face of adversity. “If no one fights, we are never going to get anywhere,” she said, noting that the only “crime” many immigrants have committed is the desire to create a better life for themselves and their families.
While the demonstration was met with some opposition from passing cars, the protesters stood firm, determined to amplify their message. The event in Lafayette adds to the growing wave of protests and advocacy efforts across the country, as immigrant communities continue to fight for justice and security.
As the chants of “no justice, no peace” echoed through the streets, the young protesters made it clear: they are not just standing up for their families, but for a vision of a more inclusive and compassionate society.