Sequoia students gathered with posters and flags to participate in a walkout protesting the Trump administration’s stance on immigration on Thursday, February 6 around 11:00 A.M.

Posters had refrains such as: “Deportation is separation” and “No human is illegal on stolen land.”

As more students gathered in the quad, Sequoia principal Sean Priest approached students and urged them to “be smart, be safe, [and] leave if anything feels weird.” Once the group moved towards downtown Redwood City they were met with cars honking in support and whistling from others. 

A large crowd of protestors congregated outside of county offices in an open quad space, where organizers gave speeches and the crowd danced to cultural music. Participants chanted the slogan “Sí se puede” while many waved and wore various flags. For many, the decision to attend was to personally support those in their community.

“My parents are Mexican, I’m Mexican, and I feel like that’s the best way to represent [our community], to bring the whole community out here and support each other,” Martin Garcia, Sequoia sophomore said.

Many students felt optimistic for the future as a result of the demonstration. They felt inspired by the unity, leadership and joy displayed by the student organizers.

“All of us together […] can make a big change,” Garcia said. 

Sequoia students were joined by students from other schools in the district like Woodside, Menlo-Atherton, and TIDE, with some Woodside students walking over an hour to attend the event. The walkout was organized by a group of students in Sequoia and the other schools, spreading information about it through social media and word of mouth. 

Cultural folklorico dances were performed once the crowd gathered at Courthouse Square in front of the Redwood City History Museum. Students wearing colorful flowing dresses danced to upbeat music while surrounded by other walkout participants cheering. 

“[These performances] are really important to show a more artistic side of our culture,” Jenifer Rodriguez, walkout organizer and Woodside senior said. 

Students participating in the walkout hoped to raise awareness and show solidarity with immigrant communities, emphasizing the importance of their voices in the ongoing fight for immigrant rights.

“[This walkout] means everything. We’re supporting immigrant families, my parents, [and] representing every Hispanic out there,” Christian Mendoza, another Sequoia student in attendance, said.