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Denver Gripped by ‘ICE Out’ Protests: Schools Disrupted,Economy Slowed,Calls for Reform Intensify
The nationwide movement against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reached a fever pitch in Denver last Friday,triggering widespread disruptions to daily life – from school closures and delays to business shutdowns and large-scale demonstrations. The protests, organized under the banner of “ICE Out,” reflect growing national outrage over federal immigration policies and recent incidents involving the use of force by federal agents.
A Day of disruption Across Denver
The impact of the protests was immediately felt in Denver’s public school system. According to district officials, over 1,000 teachers and staff members were absent, forcing several high schools – including George Washington, North, South, and East – and elementary schools like Joe Shoemaker and McMeen to delay classes by two hours. Early education programs were canceled altogether. The situation was even more severe in Aurora Public Schools and the Adams 14 district,where all classes were suspended due to critical staffing shortages.
“we always seek to keep schools open to offer learning, social-emotional supports, mental health resources and healthy meals,” a spokesperson for the Aurora district stated. “Though, the number of absences made it impossible to operate safely.” While cherry Creek and Douglas County schools reported normal operations, Mapleton Public Schools successfully mitigated the impact by securing substitute teachers for most absent staff.
Students and Educators Take to the Streets
Hundreds of students and teachers marched through downtown Denver, beginning at Lincoln Street and culminating at the state Capitol. Demonstrators voiced strong opposition to ICE, with chants and signs criticizing the agency’s tactics and the use of lethal force. “Even kids can see that this is wrong,” saeid Levi Caufman, a 17-year-old student at Northfield High School, articulating a common sentiment among young activists. “We are a nation of immigrants.” Another participant, 18-year-old Charles Easley, explained that the mobilization offered “an opportunity for them to listen to us.”
Escalating National Indignation
The protests were fueled by recent,tragic events. The death of Alex Pretti,an intensive care nurse shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis while documenting immigration operations,and the killing of Renee Good,a Colorado mother of three by an ICE agent,ignited widespread condemnation. These incidents have sparked a wave of criticism directed at the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies,leading to demonstrations in cities across the contry.
Economic Impact and Business Solidarity
The “ICE Out” movement extended beyond the classroom and into the economic sphere. More than a dozen restaurants in Denver voluntarily closed their doors in solidarity with the strike,while others pledged to donate a portion of their profits to pro-immigrant organizations.Ni nguyen, chef and co-owner of a Vietnamese restaurant, explained that the goal was “to slow down the economy,” highlighting the significant contributions of the immigrant community to the local economy.
Political and Athletic Voices Join the Chorus
The protests also resonated within the political arena. Senators Michael Bennet and John hickenlooper have called for ICE reforms during ongoing federal budget negotiations. Denver officials have voiced their support for a lawsuit filed by Minnesota against the agency’s operations.
