The ICE That Won't Thaw

By Olivia Summer

There has been a constant state of anxiety looming over students at Purchase College, ever since Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence has been increasing in the Westchester area.  

“I think for college students, it really is a drain,” said sophomore Angelina Jackson. “Those who look the part are terrified to protest and stand up to it, with the mere thought they are going to be detained.”

Masked students protest ICE in the Quad (Photo by Jordan Pommells)

While the recent rise in discussion about ICE has been fairly new, the organization itself has been around since 2003. According to the official ICE website, the agency now has more than 20,000 law enforcement and support personnel in more than 400 offices across the United States and around the world, and an annual budget of approximately $8 billion.

ICE has been a point of contention since the beginning, but especially with the recent raids and killings in Minnesota, tensions are running even higher, and many people are angry.

Students have rallied together in protest of such raids, including the walkout on Jan. 30 this year. Lizz Elvira, the assistant director of the Multicultural Center and Food Pantry supervisor, has spoken to many students who are passionate about the cause.

“I think the best thing about Purchase students is that people care and worry about things, even if it doesn’t directly impact them,” said Elvira. “They want to make sure people are okay and taken care of.”

Samantha May, a junior who attended the rally at the clock tower, spoke about wanting to do whatever she could to make a difference.

“There’s so much wrong happening right before my eyes that I need to be on the right side of history,” said May.

Students gathering in peaceful protest (Photo by Jordan Pommells)

While protests like these can certainly bring a sense of hope and support for students, this doesn’t necessarily ease the anxiety people are feeling, like Jackson, who, though she wanted to attend the protest, didn’t, because of the fear that ICE would show up and wreak havoc.

The possibility of agents showing up on campus is not lost on the faculty, and contingency plans have been made in case that ever happens.

“We’ve been told that if ICE shows up, we should get in contact with UPD [University Police Department] and they would be the ones who would respond,” said Elvira.  

The students who have learned about this plan have not been encouraged, and some, in fact, feel like they would be worse off if UPD were to intervene. Joshua Perez, a junior with a dual major in theater and performance and psychology, reacted to the idea with distaste.

“I don’t feel safe with that. UPD officers were also the ones prohibiting students from protesting for Palestinian lives,” said Perez. “They’re usually the opposite of progressive.”

A sign clearly brandishing "Stop Abducting" (Photo by Jordan Pommells)

At this point, UPD has not responded to any interview requests.

While students are finding it difficult to have hope in scary times, there are many resources available and plenty of support systems around campus for those who are struggling.

“I think all we can really do is stick with our communities, rise up, cause all we have is each other,” said May. “I feel like that’s the most important thing, and to hold on to that glimmer of hope.”