Cashmere walkout draws roughly 100 students protesting immigration enforcement

CASHMERE — An estimated 100 students walked out of Cashmere High School on the afternoon of Feb. 5 to protest actions of the Trump administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.

“We walk out today for the families torn apart, the voices silenced by fear and the simple truth that every human being deserves safety, dignity and hope. This walk out is for those who wake up afraid, for those whose lives are treated as disposable and for our refusal to stay silent any longer,” said Talia, a CHS student who organized the walk out. “We leave our classrooms today not to disrupt learning, but because learning means standing up when people's lives and futures are at stake.”

Talia told Ward Media that she was shocked at the number of students who joined the walk out, expressing gratitude and pride for her community.

“I think it shows that Cashmere students really do listen, are knowledgeable, and know what is wrong and what is right,” she said.

Students told Ward Media that they attended the walkout to show support for their immigrant neighbors, family members and friends. Their signs included various messages, including “The wrong ICE is melting,” “Jesus said love thy neighbor, NOT deport them,” and “Hate doesn’t make America great.”

“I'm tired of seeing people brutalized in our streets for looking for opportunity that's supposed to exist here,” said CHS student Azura.

Cashmere’s walk out is the latest in a number of student-led demonstrations throughout the region, including Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Moses Lake, Ephrata and Quincy.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media