NYC, NY – Over 100 NYU students and community members gathered at the Third Rail in Brooklyn to participate in a concert organized by the NYU Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). The concert raised funds for Make the Road NY, an immigrant-led nonprofit that provides legal services and other aid to immigrants in the city. The concert raised $748 through ticket sales to donate to the organization and $396 through merchandise sales to help send members out to the SDS national convention this fall.

Levi, Badger Hunters, Bullseye, and Oldseye all performed sets varying in genres from anti-folk to country rock to punk. Outside of the venue, there was a campfire where people made smores and cooked hotdogs to eat while conversing. SDS members were at a table selling merchandise ranging from shirts to buttons. In between sets, speakers from various student activist groups spoke to the importance of fighting ICE, standing in solidarity with immigrants and fighting for a sanctuary campus.

Ebtesham Ahmed from the NYU Students for a Democratic Society emceed for the night, rallying the crowd with chants, introducing speakers and bands. Ahmed led the crowd in chanting “It is right to rebel! ICE and Trump go to hell!” and “We want justice you say how? Sanctuary right now!”

Calvin Kellenberger from the NYU Students for a Democratic Society stated, “Tonight, though, we have been given a rare opportunity. Tonight, resistance just so happens to be fun. All the proceeds from this show are going to support immigrant defense work being done right here in New York; and so tonight, resistance is movement, rhythm and melody. We’ve got a great set ready for you all tonight, and some more great speakers throughout, so relax, let loose, and let’s have a great night!”

Andres Luke from the NYU Young Democratic Socialists of America told the crowd, “So be it through YDSA, SDS, another other organizing body, a local community, be it through attending events, canvassing, promoting legislation, participating in walking groups, attending a deportation defense training, printing flyers, or even just taking them we must keep going. Change is possible but only through collective action and any effort towards moving the needle forward is worth it. We must fight to bring those 60,000 home. We reject ICE now and always. Make NYU a sanctuary campus, make New York a sanctuary city and make the United States a sanctuary nation.”

Sophie Franklin from the Students for International Labor Solidarity said, “Right now SILS is launching a campaign called DROP ICE! and we hope you’ll join us. We are calling on the university to urgently cut its direct monetary ties with corporations that house and transport ICE agents, such as Hilton and Enterprise and to promise and enforce a sanctuary campus.”

To end off the speeches for the night, Ahmed read the letter that was delivered to the university administration on February 20 alongside their petition, which now has 1000 signatures. Ahmed stated, though the administration has not yet responded nor met with SDS, they are confident they will have a sanctuary campus because the student group will continue to struggle and fight to win their demands. They led the crowd with the chant “Dare to struggle! Dare to win!”

Wrapping up for the night, eventgoers were encouraged to participate in a May Day student contingent happening to stand in solidarity with immigrants and workers. In addition, eventgoers were notified of the attempt to create a Turning Point USA chapter at NYU, with a promise from organizers to work hard to shut it down.

#NewYorkNY #NY #ImmigrantRights #SDS #YDSA #StudentMovement

Toledo has been wrongly charged with misdemeanor assault, battery and false imprisonment. Another charge, “conspiracy” to commit a crime, is still being weighed by the district attorney. It’s clear that administrators see this as an opportunity to try to take down an effective organizer who has been a thorn in their side for the last three years and as revenge for the 2024 Siemens Hall occupation since they failed to successfully charge the students who were involved at the time.

After entering the courtroom, Toledo pleaded not guilty. A trial date has been set for July 13.

About 25 supporters of Toledo gathered with protest signs for a rally outside the courthouse around 12:30 p.m. in preparation for the 1:30 hearing. Supporters marched in beside Toledo with their protest signs and joined him in the waiting room. Before the hearing began, court officials announced new restrictions, including a ban on protest signs and cell phone use. Supporters say court staff also attempted to limit how many people could enter the courtroom. When that proved difficult, Toledo’s case was called first.

Toledo was represented by attorney Matthew Kellegrew of the Civil Liberties Defense Center. When he approached the judge he quickly entered a plea of not guilty. Three bailiffs were stationed inside the small courtroom during the proceedings, an unusual show of force. Supporters also reported that a university administrator was present to observe who attended the hearing and left after the case was called.

“Cal Poly Humboldt has been trying to silence student organizers for years,” said Toledo. “These charges are an attempt to criminalize protest and scare people into backing down. It won’t work.”

Supporters say the court’s response shows the impact of organized pressure and the power of the people.

“The fact that they suddenly changed the rules and packed the courtroom with bailiffs shows they’re nervous,” said supporter Kyle Berryman at the courthouse. “They see that people are paying attention, and they know we’re not going away.”

Another attendee, Pat Kanzler stated, “Students stood up for Palestine and now they’re being targeted. This is what happens when you challenge institutions that support war and oppression.”

Toledo, who has organized at Cal Poly Humboldt with Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) for three years, says the fight is bigger than one case.

“This is about defending the right to protest,” Toledo said. “It’s about standing against repression and standing with Palestine. We’re going to keep organizing until these charges are dropped.”

During the hearing, hundreds of people from all over the country called the court in support of Toledo demanding that the charges be dropped immediately. Supporters say they will continue mobilizing ahead of the July 13 trial and are calling on people across the country to continue to speak out against these repressive politically motivated charges and fight back until the charges are dropped!

#EurekaCA #CA #Humboldt #StudentMovement #RickToledo #InjusticeSystem #SDS #CalPolyHumboldt #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #Featured

New Orleans, LA — About 50 students and community members rallied on Wednesday, April 15, in protest outside an event hosting two Israeli Defense Forces reservists. The event was called “Triggered: From Combat to Campus,” and was hosted on Tulane University’s main campus by Students Supporting Israel.

“I still remember that when Students for a Democratic Society demanded that Tulane end its overwhelming support for Israel, Tulane threw the book at those students,” said Silas Gillett of Student for a Democratic Society (SDS).

Gillett continued, “They suspended them, they kicked them out of their housing. Now they have the gall to bring these evil IDF war criminals on campus instead of their own students!”

The protest was organized by Together United Louisiana (TUL) SDS with support from over a dozen other student and community organizations to demand an end to Tulane’s support for Israel. At the event inside, IDF reservists Yossi Hertz and Lior Biran tried to defend Israel, but they could not speak without hearing the chants of “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and “Lock them up” from the rally outside.

While organizers decried the genocide of Palestinians and the IDF’s attacks on Iran and Lebanon, a small group of students waved an Israeli flag at the protest. Sruly Heller, speaking for New Orleans Stop Helping Israel’s Ports, addressed them, saying, “You absolutely desecrate the memories of our ancestors when you hold up your Zionist flags like that. My Bubbe has no cousins, and they didn’t die for your Zionist bullshit. Shame on you!”

Addressing the crowd on behalf of the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), Leila Abu-Orf said, “I’ve watched my family home, my birthright, the one that we built after we were kicked out of our ancestral village of Isdud, now Ashdod, be burnt to rubble.” Abu-Orf continued to address the soldiers directly, firing up the crowd, “You are a band of cowards who use an AI-powered program to track your targets for drones while you shit yourself from the comfort of your armored tank out of fear of the flip-flopped freedom fighter approaching you!”

#NewOrleansLA #LA #Palestine #AntiWarMovement #StudentMovement #IDF #NOSHIP #Tulane #SDS

Tallahassee, FL – On Friday, April 10, Tallahassee SDS, along with Freedom Road Socialist Organization and FSU YDSA brought together over 40 people on FSU’s Landis Green to protest the Israel Fair, an event sponsored by pro-Israel groups across the campus to celebrate Israel as it carries out genocide against Palestinians.

The event took place two days after Israel conducted 100 airstrikes against Lebanon in ten minutes, killing hundreds.

“It is shameful that FSU is allowing an event on our campus in the name of a state that is built on colonization and genocide,” said Maria Duarte, a member of Tallahassee SDS who spoke at the protest. “Israel is a state that has been displacing and murdering Palestinians for over 70 years. A state that believes that bombing children and innocent civilians is ‘self-defense.’ It is disgusting how our university is whitewashing genocide while Palestinians continue to be murdered and displaced.”

The fair was created by various Zionist organizations, including Students Supporting Israel, Hasbara Fellowships, Hillel at FSU, Zionist Organization of America and the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis.

The protest began at 1 p.m. and was supposed to go until 2 p.m. but continued until around 3:45 p.m. Students chanted “Free Palestine” and made statements that showed solidarity with Palestine, condemned Israel, and ridiculed those involved with the fair.

Zionist counterprotesters responded with slurs and attempts to disrupt the rally, which the protesters ignored. As for the Israel Fair, it should have gone until 3:30 p.m., but it was closed down a little after 2:00 p.m. due to pressures from the protest – which would outnumber the attendees of the Israel Fair.

The speakers made a point to emphasize FSU’s support of Israel and, by extension, the genocide of Palestinians.

The speakers mentioned how the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering partners with Boeing. A close partner of Israel for 75 years, the company recently signed an $8.6 billion contract with the Pentagon to make 25 new F-15 Fighters for Israel. More recently, in March, Boeing signed another deal for $289 million to deliver 5000 air-launched smart bombs to Israel.

“Make no mistake, our campus is heavily complicit,” said one protester.

Before the Israel Fair, FSU power washed pro-Palestinian statements that were written in chalk on Landis Green. An anonymous affiliate of the fair’s organizers posted on YikYak, “this is what FSU thinks of your anti-fair chalk,” with a picture of the Landis Green walkways being power washed.

The “anti-fair chalk” included statements such as “72,000+ dead” (the number of Palestinians who have been killed thus far in the Gaza genocide), “One should not be killed for just being a Palestinian” and a list of names of children who were killed in Gaza and the West Bank by the Israeli occupation forces.

As FSU’s administration defends allowing of Zionist organizations on their campus, Israel continues to perpetuate its genocide of Palestinians. Tallahassee SDS deplores FSU’s hypocrisy in sanctioning hate groups on their campus while suppressing leftist student movements, and they remain in solidarity with Palestinians.

#TallahasseeFL #FL #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #StudentMovement #SDS #FRSO

Normal, IL- On Wednesday, March 25, student activists from New Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Illinois at Chicago made the three-hour car trip to Normal, Illinois to table at Illinois State University. 

Despite car trouble that delayed their commute by nearly two hours, one there, the students immediately hit the ground running by tabling at the university for three hours. 

The tabling took place on a bridge chalked with statements expressing solidarity with Palestine and dissatisfaction with university administration. It was clear that the university was filled with students ready to get active. 

Over the course of the three days spent tabling, 77 students signed up, eager to start a New SDS chapter at Illinois State University.

Due to the positive reception of the table, members of SDS at UIC organized a meeting that same week to give a more detailed explanation of what it would mean to start a SDS chapter and be a part of a national organization.

On Friday, March 28, over a dozen students, gathered at Illinois State University’s Milner Library, voted in favor of starting a New SDS chapter on their campus. 

During this meeting students at ISU expressed their concern with the presence of ICE in their community as well as the possibility of agents appearing on campus. Another sentiment was clear support of the AFSCME Local 1110 that had voted to authorize a strike that very same day as well as interest in supporting the newly formed faculty unions. 

Another point that was brought up was the presence of Turning Point USA at ISU. While the chapter at ISU is not large, it brings out the most reactionary forces that exist on campus, whose sentiments seem to have grown even more after the death of TPUSA spokesperson Charlie Kirk. Attendants of this meeting made it clear that they do not tolerate TPUSA having any platform on their campus. 

Students were eager for a broad, progressive student organization to start up at their university and they were more than willing to be a part of the process of getting something new established. 

The next day students mobilized to the No Kings rally in Bloomington, which had over 1000 people. SDSers led chants like: “No boots on the ground, no bombs in the air, U.S. out of everywhere” and “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.” 

If you’re interested in starting an SDS chapter at your school, fill out the Join SDS form on their website.

#NormalIL #IL #StudentMovement #SDS

Orlando, FL – El jueves, 26 de marzo, los Estudiantes Por una Sociedad Democrática de UFC con los Socialistas Democráticos Jóvenes de América organizaron una demostración de más de 40 en la que hicieron una marcha para el Salón Millican, el edificio administrativo de la Universidad de Florida Central.

Esta acción fue la cuarta concentración para exigir un fin al acuerdo 287 (g) a que el Presidente de la universidad Alexander Cartwright se reúna con los líderes estudiantiles para convertir a UFC en campus santuario.

Después de una acción de llamadas a la oficina del presidente, Adrienne Frame, uno de los “designados de comunicación entre estudiantes del presidente,” aceptó sentarse en una reunión entre la oficina y los EESD. Luego que los ESD enviaron sus horas preferidas de reunirse, la administración de UFC siguió ignorando a los estudiantes.

Al inicio de la concentración, Hazel Hazelwood, participante de ESD de UFC les explico a las multitudes, “Estamos entre más de 60,000 de los jóvenes más ambicioso del estado. Nos dicen que podemos alcanzar todo al que nos dedicamos, y no obstante Cartwright anticipa que nos quedemos callados mientras nuestros amigos viven con miedo.”

Desde delante de la Unión Estudiantil, los estudiantes marcharon al Salon Millican, mientras cantaban consignas como, “Atrévete a luchar, atrévete a ganar,” y “Sacate Cartwright!”

Los activistas estudiantes llevaron pancartas con frases como, “Campus santuario ahora” y “Fuera del Campus ICE, acaba con 287(g).” También había señales que representaron al Presidente de UFC Alexander Cartwright como “Dónde Está Wally” con la consigna proclamando “Dónde Está Cartwright” debido a su reputación de asistir a los eventos en campus con poca frecuencia.

Una vez que la concentración llegó al Salon Millican, Adrien Daugherty, otro miembro de los ESD de UFC, fue el primer en hablar, “Esto es nuestro campus. Pagamos para asistir. La administración de la UFC debe servirnos, no suplicar a cualquier administración federal que suba al poder. Somos sus constituyentes – y es una vergüenza que aún consideren la idea de dejar que ICE venga a secuestrar a uno de nosotros. Vergüenza!”

El hablador final fue Ken Pham de SDJA, quien decidió hablar de qué significa realmente la decisión de la administración de UFC a firmar el acuerdo de 287(g), proclamada, “Neutralidad en la cara de la represión estatal no es neutralidad. Es complicidad. El Presidente Cartwright y sus administradores han tomado su decisión. Ya son colaboradores.”

Después de corear consignas en el Salon Millican exigiendo que el Presidente de UFC Cartwright salga a hablar con los estudiantes, la manifestación marchó tras el campus para la Alameda Memoria y concluyó gritando “Creo que vamos a ganar.”

#OrlandoFL #FL #MovimientoEstudiantil #EESD #DerechosdelosInmigrantes #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #SDS

Jacksonville, FL – On Wednesday, April 8, students at the University of North Florida gathered to protest Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback, a vehement racist and xenophobe, who was allowed to speak on campus.

The protest was organized by Jacksonville Students for a Democratic Society and drew more than 20 students to picket the building where Fishback was giving his speech. Signs read “No racist governor” and “Fishback hates immigrants.”

During his campaign for Florida governor, Fishback has appealed to the emerging far right section of young voters. He has stated that he views all immigrants, documented and undocumented, as invaders. Recently, he also came under fire after a viral video showed him telling a Black man he should be lynched.

Students picketed the building for more than three hours, braving rain, cold weather and intimidation from police.

The demonstration drew much opposition from Fishback’s supporters, but some were swayed by the protest, admitting they didn't actually know Fishback’s stances beforehand.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #StudentMovement #SDS

Detroit, MI – On Sunday, April 12, another protest took place in Detroit to demand an end to the war on Iran. The second weekly protest brought around 90 participants to the Spirit of Detroit sculpture and through the streets around Woodward Avenue and Campus Martius Park.

The weekly protests are organized by the Detroit Anti War Committee, along with the support of US Palestinian Community Network, Code Pink, Wayne State Students for a Democratic Society, Freedom Road Socialist Organization and Engineers Against Apartheid.

The protest began with people lining the edge of the street holding banners and signs, such as “Detroit divest from war profiteers!” Cars passed and honked in support of the anti-war messaging. With the route going around Campus Martius, the One Campus Martius Building sparked up heated chants of “Fuck Dan Gilbert!” referring to the billionaire Zionist who owns the building and contributed over $80,000 to Detroit election campaigns, including that of Mayor Mary Sheffield.

Bryce Morin from Students For A Democratic Society stated, “We here at SDS oppose Wayne State’s support of these mass killings and displacements through investments in companies like Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. And we are against our university allowing ICE to continue to deport students from our campus. Because we believe that our tuition and tax dollars should go towards funding education, not towards supporting war.”

Hiba Elturk, a founding member of the Detroit Anti-War Committee came out to speak on her experience having familial ties to Beirut and Bechamoun in Lebanon, “When Israel broke the ceasefire, it felt like the weight of the entire world had come down on me. I pray to God none of you ever have to reach for your phones and make the decision of who to call first to check and see if they’re still alive! Thanks to the Zionist entity, these decisions I’m being forced to make,”

Elturk continued, “My uncle was on his way home from work when the street he was driving on got struck by a missile. Five minutes too early, five minutes too late, and he would have been murdered.”

Jo Pico, of Freedom Road Socialist Organization stated, “Ultimately, in this moment of uncertainty, trauma, and pain, there is one fact we can hold onto: we have power. This is what gives us clarity to meet the moment.”

After marching, the demonstrators rallied in front of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, which is where the city council meets.

Daanyal Syed of Detroit Anti-War Committee stated, “The city of Detroit is complicit in genocide, as it has contracts like Shot Spotter, whose technology is used to surveil Palestinians, is used to surveil our Black and brown communities.” Syed closed out the protest by calling on everyone to show up to protest next week.

#DetroitMI #MI #AntiWarMovement #DAWC #Iran #Palestine #FRSO #SDS

Tampa, FL – On Tuesday, April 6, Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) held a rally near the University of South Florida (USF) to demand “No ICE on campus” in response to USF and Department of Homeland Security signing onto a 287(g) agreement and the recent pause on H-1B visas passed by the Florida Board of Governors.

The 287(g) agreement allows USF police to train and act as ICE agents on USF campuses, putting international and immigrant students and faculty in direct harm’s way of racial profiling and being detained.

“A university is supposed to be a place of growth and safety, not a place where students feel watched and targeted by their own administrators, and most definitely not a place where their education could be interrupted by their own detention,” said Jayce Solis of Tampa Bay SDS in a speech demanding USF become a sanctuary campus immediately.

As protesters held signs with slogans like, “End 287(g)” and “No ICE on campus,” cars passed by honking in support.

The protest also demanded the reinstatement of H-1B visas, which universities commonly use to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialized fields that require advanced knowledge and education. Universities frequently use H-1B visas to recruit professors, scientists, engineers and researchers from around the world.

During the rally, attendees chanted “We want justice, you say, how? Sanctuary campus now!” and “Money for jobs and education, not for war and deportations!”

Tampa Bay SDS will continue to organize against this 287(g) agreement and the pause on H-1B visas.

#TampaFL #FL #StudentMovement #ImmigrantRights #SDS

Milwaukee, WI – On Tuesday, March 31, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee held a rally for Trans Day of Visibility. The event took place at the UWM library and was co-sponsored by Reproductive Justice Action Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

This rally started on a somber note, with local trans musicians playing songs of solidarity and hope.

Sasha Gurin from SDS spoke to his experience as a trans youth and the importance of the student movement’s fight for equality of gender in schools. He too spoke of the need for the queer and trans community to fight back against Trump’s agenda, telling attendees that the struggle for trans liberation is principally one against the Trump agenda, and it is on us to unite with the struggles for Palestinian liberation, immigrant rights, and countless others.

A member of Reproductive Justice Action Milwaukee stated, “Our work for reproductive justice does not exist without the fight for trans rights.” They then spoke to today’s present fight, and the work to be done. “While trans folks are visible, they're not all protected, and visibility without protection just leaves people vulnerable. It leaves people vulnerable to attacks, and harm, to hate and violence, vulnerable to supreme court rulings like the one that just came in this morning.”

This event came the same day as a dangerous Supreme Court ruling which overturned Colorado’s law banning conversion therapy for minors. This dangerous ruling sets precedent for similar rulings in 26 other states with similar laws. While the attacks from the Trump administration continue, so do the defenses of the people.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #TransDayofVisibility #LGBTQ #Trans #SDS #StudentMovement #WomensMovement

Orlando, FL – On Thursday, March 26, UCF Students for a Democratic Society alongside Young Democratic Socialists of America organized a protest of over 40 students to march on Millican Hall, the main administrative building for the University of Central Florida.

This action was UCF SDS’s fourth rally demanding an end to the 287(g) agreement and for the university President Alexander Cartwright to meet with student leaders to make UCF a sanctuary campus.

After a call-in to the president’s office, Adrienne Frame, one of the “president’s designees for student-facing outreach” agreed to hold a meeting between the president’s office and SDS. After SDS sent their preferred meeting times, UCF admin proceeded to ignore the students.

At the start of the rally, Hazel Hazelwood, a member of UCF SDS told the crowd, “We are standing among over 60,000 of the state’s most ambitious young people. We are told we can accomplish anything we set our minds to, and yet Cartwright expects us to stay silent while our friends live in fear.”

From the front of the Student Union, the students marched to Millican Hall, while chanting slogans such as “Dare to struggle, dare to win” and “Come out Cartwright.”

The student activists carried signs that read “Sanctuary campus now” and “ICE off campus, end 287(g).” There were also signs that depicted UCF President Alexander Cartwright as “Where’s Waldo” with the slogan saying “Where’s Cartwright” due to Alexander Cartwright’s reputation for rarely attending events on campus.

Once the rally reached Millican Hall, Adrien Daugherty, another member of UCF SDS, was first to speak, “This is our campus. We pay to come here. The UCF admin is meant to serve us, not appeal to whatever administration is in power. We are their constituents – it is shameful that they would even entertain the idea of letting ICE come in here and kidnap one of our own. Shame!”

The final speaker was Ken Pham from UCF YDSA, who chose to speak on what UCF admin’s choice to sign onto the 287(g) agreement really means, stating, “Neutrality in the face of state repression is not neutrality. It is complicity. President Cartwright and his administration have made their decision. They are now collaborators.”

After chanting at Millican Hall demanding UCF President Cartwright come out to talk with the students, the rally marched across campus to Memory Mall and concluded by chanting “I believe that we will win.”

#OrlandoFL #FL #StudentMovement #SDS #ImmigrantRights

Baton Rouge, LA – On March 28, a crowd of 1500 people gathered across the street from the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge on No Kings Day to protest Trump’s reactionary agenda.

Before marching, Gabriela DeJean of the Louisiana State University (LSU) chapter of Students for a Democratic Society addressed the crowd, “If you’re a student, at any school or of any age, come find us. You don’t have to have experience organizing, you just have to decide right here, right now, that you don't want to be complacent. If you’re not a student, that doesn’t mean you’re outside of this. This affects entire communities, get involved with an organization.”

People lined up and marched down downtown Baton Rouge with signs that said, “Fight Trump’s agenda!” and “We say no to deportations!” As they made their way downtown, they chanted, “Power to the people, no one is illegal!” and “Money for jobs and education, not for war and deportation!”

DeJean finished by saying, “This only works if people keep showing up after today. Pay attention to how quickly things are changing around you and decide which side of history you want to be a part of!”

#BatonRougeLA #LA #PeoplesStruggles #StudentMovement #SDS #ImmigrantRights

Chicago, IL – On Tuesday, March 10, over two dozen students gathered at the University of Illinois Chicago east campus’s quad to demand that UIC administration set a precedent for a true sanctuary campus now.

The rally was organized by Mexican Students of Aztlan’s (MeSA) Educación, Resistencia y Activismo (ERA) committee and was a part of a broader week of action events that commemorated the 20th anniversary of the first megamarches that occurred on March 10, 2006 in Chicago.

The rally included speakers from New Students for a Democratic Society, the Immigrants’ Rights Working Committee of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, and Mexican Students of Aztlan.

Ileanne Cecilio, a member of MeSA and the emcee of the rally began by sharing the importance of the day which signifies 20 years since the megamarches and how the struggles for immigrant rights is far from over, especially at UIC. Cecilio elevates the work of the many immigrant rights activists who have built up the movement where it is today and UIC’s history of student activism to get the resources that exist for students now such as the Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES) and the Latino Cultural Center. They also raise the demands of MeSA’s current sanctuary campus campaign in needing the current administration to take a stand for their students and not continue the capitulation to Trump's racist agenda.

“We are living during interesting times of uncertainty and oppression by the U.S. government,” began Ikzael Hernandez, ERA’s committee lead. “We need to stand together and be on the same page, not only within the boundaries of this UIC institution but beyond.”

Another student and member of MeSA, Briseida Buitron, shared a powerful poem, “Our people keep fighting. We’re here and they don’t like it! Kick us all out, but we come back marching.”

Gianna Escareno from the Immigrant Rights Working Committee stated, “We must continue to show solidarity from Chicano liberation to Black liberation, Palestinian liberation, workers’ rights, women and LGBTQ rights and of course immigrants’ rights because we know that the attack on our communities won’t end until we fight back, resist and until all of us are free!”

Students then marched across campus and to University Hall as they chanted “No ban, no wall, sanctuary for all!” and “Sanctuary campus now!”

Student organizers encouraged those present to join one of the many progressive student organizations like MeSA, New Students for a Democratic Society or Anakbayan who are all fighting for various struggles on campus.

They encourage people to support Mexican Students of Aztlan as they continue to build their campaign for a sanctuary campus at UIC and stay tuned for future actions. They are on Instagram @mesaatuic.

#ChicagoIL #IL #StudentMovement #ImmigrantRights #MESA #SDS #SDSatUIC #UIC

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the New Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Illinois Chicago (New SDS at UIC).

Rick Toledo is a student activist and SDSer at Cal Poly State Humboldt who, for years, has been demanding that Cal Poly State Humboldt divest from the Israeli genocide and make the university a sanctuary campus!

On March 6, Rick’s home was raided by police officers, and he was detained without bail. These charges came about from a brave student-led building occupation for Palestine at Cal Poly Humboldt in February of 2024.

With pressure from concerned students and the community, the police department was forced to release him on bail on March 8. But Rick is still facing charges of multiple felonies he did not commit, has been suspended from his college, and was fired from his university job!

Furthermore, we are angered to hear that on the night of March 19, the University Police Department went back to his home with a warrant to take his personal devices, including his laptop, phone, and other electronics!

We know that this is a clear act of repression, that this is an attack not only against Rick Toledo, but against all students who stand with Palestine!

We see that the university and the state of California are attempting to punish Rick and the brave students who stood up for Palestine for their acts of resistance, which is why we are calling on all students, all community members, and everyone who believes in free speech to join us in standing with Rick Toledo!

New Students for a Democratic Society at University of Illinois Chicago is proud to stand with Rick Toledo, and we demand that no charges are filed against him!

Protesting for Palestine is not a crime!

Hands off Rick Toledo!

#RickToledo #SDSatUIC #SDS #UIC #ChicagoIL #CalPolyHumboldt #Palestine #StudentMovement #AntiWarMovement

Denver, CO – On Wednesday, March 11, Denver Students for a Democratic Society (Denver SDS) rallied to demand that the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) – the owner and manager of the Auraria campus and all its buildings — ban ICE from campus.

The crowd of students gathered outside the Physical Education building and marched around the Tivoli Quad, chanting, “What do we want? ICE off campus! When do we want it? Now!” and “Skip Spear, can’t you hear? We want ICE out of here!”

During the spring 2025 semester, the Auraria Board of Directors passed a policy detailing what would happen if ICE is confirmed to be on campus. However, the policy does nothing except restate current state law regarding any federal agent activity: the Auraria Campus Police Department won’t interfere with any ICE or DHS operations, and the only requirement of ICE agents is that they have a judicial warrant.

ICE and the DHS are also allowed to teach in Auraria classrooms and recruit at job fairs, and have done so in the past, endangering immigrant students.

Nels Pine, a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, stated, “The problem is that ICE is coming on to campus, the same force that’s killing people in Minneapolis, and detaining people in Aurora right here in our community.”

While other multicultural student organizations at MSU Denver and CU Denver share Denver SDS’ concerns about AHEC’s passivity, students are confident in the campus community protecting each other.

“There is beauty in being one of Colorado’s schools with the most diversity, and they’re here to attack them,” said Aya Sharia of the Sudanese Student Union. “The cowards of border control will never know what it’s like to have a community that sticks by your side.”

The fight against AHEC’s refusal to protect the Auraria immigrant student population will continue on campus and at future board of directors meetings.

#DenverCO #CO #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #SDS

Chicago, IL – On March 19, New Students for a Democratic Society (New SDS) held a campus town hall meeting to demand campus administrators increase funding for cultural centers, protect DEI, and declare a sanctuary campus. A crowd of around 50 students faced the three administrators who were seated next to a podium to hear students’ testimony.

The event opened with Gio Araujo from New SDS. Gio Araujo stating, “We have made it loud and clear: properly defend and fund our cultural centers. Raise the funding for the cultural centers to hire students on campus.”

“All students have a right to an education that is meaningful and accessible to them, one that meets their academic and cultural needs. No compliance with Trump is the only acceptable option for our administration,” continued Araujo.

Ileanne Cecilio, speaking on behalf of Mexican Students de Aztlan (MeSA), said, “What we are here to advocate for, and demand is only a continuation of the work that has been done by many activists and students before us. Our current MeSA campaign demands we be a true sanctuary campus for our students.” Cecilio highlighted UIC’s inaction when two women were detained outside a campus building last October.

Jacob Belencion from Anakbayan said, “UIC needs to show its commitment through action. Show your students that you are on the side of your diverse student population, not the side of the administration shutting us down.”

After opening speeches the event transitioned to public comment. Xzavier Jones from New SDS said, “I find it unbelievable that UIC doesn't feel the need to move with urgency when it comes to defending the spaces that their minority population frequents.”

After public comment, the three attending administrators gave introductions and answered questions from the students. Michael Ginsburg, special advisor to the chancellor for student affairs, insisted that declaring a sanctuary campus would “put a target on our back”. He went on to say that the city of Chicago had done this by declaring itself a sanctuary city. This was met with disapproval from the crowd.

River from New SDS led the crowd in a final chant: “Dare to struggle! Dare to win!” Organizers of the event encouraged students to join endorsing organizations in continuing to raise these demands. The event was endorsed by Anakbayan, Mexican Students de Aztlan (MeSA), Black Student Union, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, UIC United Faculty Union, Sanctuary for All, College Democrats and Latinos Unidos.

#ChicagoIL #IL #StudentMovement #SDS #MeSA

New York, NY – On March 12, around 20 NYU students and faculty picketed at the front of the Kimmel Center, where the university senate was set to take place. The Students for a Democratic Society at NYU organized the picket to demand a sanctuary campus.

The picket comes after the organization’s petition delivery on February 20, where students rallied and delivered a petition with over 600 signatures demanding the administration implement a sanctuary campus. The administration has yet to provide any response to SDS’ demands.

Protesters chanted “NYU, hear our call! Sanctuary for all!” and “Say it once, say it twice! We will not put up with ICE!” as they picketed. Protesters also held signs reading, “Sanctuary campus now!” and “ICE murders, ICE lies! We can see it with our eyes!” As people passed by, they joined along with the chants, clapped in approval, and took photos of the picket. NYPD and NYU campus security officers stood by watching as well.

Andres Luke from the NYU Young Democratic Socialists stated, “NYU has a clear political allegiance. That being said, student safety is not political! No matter what Linda Mills and her administration may claim. We are not asking them to violate the law to protect our students, we are asking them to protect our students from violations of the law.”

Sonya Posmentier from the NYU Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine told the crowd, “I’ve seen our students and colleagues put their bodies on the line to stop federal agents from taking our neighbors on Canal Street and at Federal Plaza. And I’ve seen our students provide accompaniment and detention support. I’ve seen you set up rapid response networks, community defense, and alert systems when the university failed to do so.”

A member from the NYU SDS read a statement from Latinos Unidos Con Honor y Amistad (LUCHA), “The targeting of immigrant communities is our reality in 2026; it is a direct assault on human dignity. When families are separated, when students disappear from their classrooms and dorms, when communities live in fear, we cannot turn a blind eye and deny these human rights violations. LUCHA calls on NYU to align its actions with its stated values of inclusion, equity, and global citizenship.”

Patrick Reddy from NYU SDS stated, “NYU has done irreparable damage to its relationship with its students by bending to the will of a federal administration whose values directly contradict the diverse community this university proudly advertises in its promotional materials. Why? To avoid legal battles? To protect funding? At what point do you decide that protecting students matters more? The student body has had enough of being ignored. You may choose to back down and cower, but we will not. We will stand up for each other.
We will protect our peers.
And we will keep fighting until our university does the same.”

Protesters continued to picket after speakers – with their chants being heard from inside the meeting room of the university senate. Afterwards, protesters dispersed with a promise to continue taking action until their demands are met.

#NewYorkNY #NY #NYC #NYU #StudentMovement #SDS #ImmigrantRights

Austin, TX – On Friday, March 13, around 20 students rallied in front of the Student Services Building at the University of Texas at Austin (UT) in support of students targeted by UT administration for protesting against Trump’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” and the consolidation of ethnic and gender studies departments.

This rally was organized by Austin Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) for the defense of Daniel Ramirez, who is currently facing the possibility of suspension. Daniel Ramirez, who is also a member of Austin SDS, addressed the crowd before walking into his suspension hearing, pointing out, “This repression will not stop us. While repression doesn’t mean we’re winning, it means they’re scared of us.”

As Ramirez walked into the Student Services Building, the crowd cheered him on, chanting, “We want justice you say how, drop all the charges now,” “No more secrets, no more lies, student voices will never die!” and “The students united, will never be defeated!”

Elise James, a member of Austin SDS, elaborated on why Austin SDS felt compelled to protest against the university administration. James said, “For most of its history, UT has pushed its students to protest because they do not care about us. We have to make them listen.” She challenged the university’s narrative, saying, “To the people who tell us we should have been respectful, we were. We have been trying to reach them for months, but they did not listen.”

Jesse Valdelamar, a member of La Frontera Unida, spoke on the effect consolidation will have on the ability for Chicanos to learn about their own history, stating, “UT President Jim Davis and his lackeys want Tejanos to forget about our history, to forget about the pain and suffering that’s we’ve had to endure, and above all, to not be proud about who we are.”

Mia Reballosa, a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization said, “The university is making millions of dollars from oil and exploitative contracts with sweatshops. They also hire war hawks and war criminals.”

Reballosa continued, “When we are repressed, we need to double down. We need to be bolder. We need to let the university know that we won’t back down.”

Despite the repression, Austin SDS plans to continue its campaign against department consolidation.

#AustinTX #TX #StudentMovement #SDS #PoliticalRepression

New Orleans, LA — On Friday, March 6, the Liberate and Unite New Orleans chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (LUNO-SDS) held a rally and speak-out event in support of adopting sanctuary campus policies at Loyola University New Orleans.

Earlier this year, on February 10, students from LUNO-SDS and the wider Loyola community delivered a letter of demands to Loyola president, Xavier A. Cole. In the letter were proposals for sanctuary-style policies that would demonstrably protect the student body. The only response that the students received ignored their demands and did not offer any concrete solutions to concerned and affected students.

At the rally, Loyola professor and member of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), Dr. Pablo Zavala, spoke in support of the student protesters. In response to claims that ICE is no longer an issue in New Orleans, Dr. Zavala said, “There is a racist, xenophobic, capitalist war machine that is not going to stop for anything.” He continued saying, “Whether it’s ICE, whether it’s CBP, whether it’s DHS, whether it’s HSI or ERO – they are all part of the same war machine, and because of that we know that ICE kills!”

Also in attendance was LUNO-SDS member and Loyola student Chelsea Bandala. Bandala told the story of how her brother was detained by ICE and the university did nothing to stand by her. “This is greatly impacting me, and I feel it in my heart every single day, and do you know what Loyola did? They turned a blind eye.” In reference to Loyola’s efforts for designation as a “Hispanic-serving Institution,” Bandala added, “How will they claim to serve us, when they deny us our claims, when they deny us the policies that we are asking for?”

Lastly, Rosalina Framboise of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization stated, “The people whose research, whose tuition, and whose labor power this university, ought to have a say in how this university is run.”

Framboise concluded, “If the students want sanctuary campus policies, then we should have sanctuary campus policies. And if you want us to stop protesting, adopt the damn policy!”

#NewOrleansLA #LA #StudentMovement #ImmigrantRights #SDS

Chicago, IL – On March 4, 30 students rallied in the quad at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). The protest, organized by New Students for a Democratic Society, was originally a counter-protest meant to happen at the same time as a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event.

TPUSA announced a “Prove me Wrong” event featuring Pastor Lucas Miles, who has a record of anti-immigrant rhetoric. Immediately after TPUSA’s announcement, SDS organized a counter-protest with the slogan, “Tell TPUSA Immigrants are Welcomed Here!”

The night before the morning rally, TPUSA shared on social media that they were canceling the event “due to weather.” The forecast had a small chance of rain for six hours after the event. It was clear that TPUSA canceled due to the SDS counter-protest.

The counter-protest was endorsed by Anakbayan, Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), Mexican Students de Aztlán, Housing Staff United, Socialist Alternative, Fearless Undocumented Alliance, Radical Public Health and Union of Puerto Rican Students.

Students passing by the rally celebrated the news that TPUSA had cancelled their event in response to the planned counter-protest.

“This is what happens when we stand together and organize, we rip the masks off of right-wing grifters and expose them as what they are: Cowards!” said River Argyilan co-chair of the SDS chapter at UIC.

“The UIC administration cannot gloat about diversity at this school while allowing groups who openly spread hate speech to host events on campus,” Argylian went on to say. “They cannot claim to serve their students while defunding the cultural centers, removing DEI from financial aid, and refusing to protect their students from ICE.”

A member of Anakabyan spoke of the UIC administration’s continued repression of progressive student groups while allowing a racist student group like TPUSA on campus. Marel shared that Anakbayan has recently received penalties from the Center for Student Involvement due to hosting an anti-ICE whistle-packing event in a public space on campus.

“On the campuses, groups like TPUSA exist to embolden white-supremacy, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia and reactionaries on campus,” Gio Araujo said on behalf of FRSO.

Araujo continued, “Groups like TPUSA are simply fog machines. Like a real fog machine, it can be broken with your foot or fist. On the campuses and streets, they can be pushed out with the power of the people. We are determined to unite all who can be united to march through the fog towards our enemy, the ruling class of billionaires and their political representatives in the White House.”

During the rally, UIC administration tried to force the students to move. SDS had an approved reservation for the quad but were told the students weren’t allowed to be on the grass. Students continued on with the rally as planned.

“We’ve proven here today what SDS has proven all over the country: TPUSA is a paper tiger! said Erin Boyle, president of National SDS. “They’re a small group of racist cowards hiding behind billionaire right-wing funding. TPUSA is not a movement, they’re a cancerous speaking tour forced on to college campuses that don’t want their hate! “

“It’s never been more clear that our universities need to put up a fight against Donald Trump! And let me be more clear, we need to make them put up a fight.” said Boyle.

Organizers called on students to join SDS for a town hall March 19 to continue to put pressure on UIC administration to fund cultural centers, declare a sanctuary campus and stop capitulating to the Trump agenda. After the speakers ended, students marched through campus. Protesters chanted, “When MAGA is running about! We organize, we run them out!” and “Racist, sexist, anti-gay! Turning Point, go away!”

#ChicagoIL #IL #UIC #SDS #StudentMovement