Kent residents and Kent State students flooded the sidewalks of downtown in freezing temperatures, carrying signs that read “Abolish ICE” and chanting in unison against the growing tensions between the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its enforcement policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The protest was part of a nationwide walkout, with participants and organizers calling for both the defunding and abolishment of ICE.

“To abolish ICE would be to completely defund them … we have to get rid of this paramilitary force in the U.S.,” Phaedra Norell, an organizer with the Akron Party for Socialism and Liberation, said.

The national movement followed the recent shooting and killing of 37-year-old Renée Nicole Good in Minneapolis during a large federal enforcement operation, when an ICE officer fired multiple shots into Good’s SUV. The incident was felt deeply amongst residents and students, especially due to the campus’s own history with gun violence.

“I think Kent State’s become a university where talking out has become almost stigmatized because of what happened,” Christopher Anna, a sophomore biotechnology student, said. “So I think having a university like this stand up against everything really shows how bad it’s got.”

Other students felt inspired to attend the protest due to personal connections to the growing tensions with immigration enforcement.

Natalia Gonzalez, a junior animation game design major, said the fear shared within her family is what motivated her to take action.

“I’m Hispanic, so a lot of my family can be in the crossfire of ICE, and it’s kind of scary,” Gonzalez said.

Although Gonzalez at first felt overwhelmed by the growing conflict, she said that her fear turned into a sense of duty.

“I felt like, after a couple of years of doing nothing, I want to try and do something,” she said.

Protesters emphasized the importance of unity, hoping the demonstration would inspire broader awareness.

“I hope that not only does everyone feel safe, but I also hope that this sheds more light on the situation as a whole,” Anna said.

Norell emphasized the message of solidarity, explaining that the protest aimed to send a clear message of support to local immigrant communities.

“We want them to know that the community is here and we stand with them and that they’re safe with us,” she said.

Lex Radde is a KSTV Reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
Tatum Werntz is a KSTV Reporter. Contact her at [email protected].