A Day Without Immigrants on the heels of reported ICE activity along the Central Coast
CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Monday marks the national Day Without Immigrants movement, a one-day period of time when people from across the country take a stand against U.S. immigration policies.
The movement encourages people not to shop, go to school or work in a demonstration of solidarity with the immigrant community. It also highlights the role that immigration plays in the United States economy.
People on Alisal Street were out in protest Monday while many local businesses remained closed.
Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) Trustee Gabriel Medina released a statement, saying: "This day is not just a protest; it is a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose when we fail to recognize the humanity and dignity of those who make our lives possible."
Medina also said that schools in their district saw reduced attendance Monday by roughly 50%. A staff member at North Salinas High School told KION that of the roughly 2,000 students registered, 784 called out Monday.
“A lot of our students are scared. A lot of our parents are scared of what's going on," said Medina. "We're seeing all the rage and it feels like it's just inching in closer and closer. The beauty, I think, about our community is that we are organized because this isn't the first time that this has happened to our community.”
Medina also says that the PVUSD students arranged a protest Monday afternoon as well.
One PVUSD parent emailed the KION newsroom, saying that an email encouraging student attendance went out to all PVUSD parents at about 4:40 p.m. Sunday afternoon. "It felt in bad taste and strategically timed with the Day Without Immigrants protest planned today," she commented.
Medina added a quote directly to students at the end of his statement, which said: "To our students: I see you. I hear you. I am inspired by your courage and your leadership. You are not just the future—you are the present. You are the ones who will shape this world, and I am proud to stand beside you."
