A crowd of around 2,500 to 3,000 joined together Sept. 5 in Denver, Colorado in solidarity with the over 800,000 undocumented people who face possible deportation and other consequences after the Trump administration announced that it will repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA.
Among the principal organizers of this emergency protest were the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and Padres & Jovenes Unidos. Over 25 schools around the city experienced a walkout by students and faculty who joined to march to the Metropolitan Community University quadrangle. A rally was held in which Dreamers shared their stories of immigration and struggle. Numerous unions and legal organizations showed support and many Denver residents came to show solidarity with their undocumented comrades.
Two high school students from Cesar Chavez Academy, who will remain nameless, shared their thoughts and outlook with Liberation News regarding the event. “When I see how many people have come to support us, I see not only them but their communities as well standing by us,” remarked one student. “This turnout was so amazing, I remain hopeful that we can resolve [our citizenship] before many of us apply for college,” stated another, who aspires to study nursing at Colorado University.
Many individuals also called for broader change from the White House to other parts of the government. It was made clear that the racist policies of this administration would not pass without a fight from the people. The presence of many young people also helped to fuel the rebellious spirit to call for the restoration of DACA and the Dream Act of 2017.
During the whole event the crowd’s tone was that of resistance. Overtones of class consciousness were heard throughout the rally alongside the resistance to the racist immigration reforms and repeal of DACA. Many young people gave speeches, and one particular speaker even shared a quote by Black Panther and outspoken communist, Assata Shakur saying, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.”
The quote was received well by the crowd and was chanted back in turn showing the true revolutionary spirit of the people when faced with hardship.
