Hundreds of students and community members walked the streets of downtown Langley on Friday to protest deportations and the Trump Administration.

The protest was organized by the United Student Leaders — a nonprofit organization led by students at the South Whidbey School District — in response to a nationwide increase of arrests conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE.

In late January, a South Whidbey School District parent was arrested by ICE at a Langley laundromat. While not providing details, Island County Sheriff Rick Felici implied the man had been targeted for alleged criminal activity.

Students and community members first gathered at Langley Park, located at Second Street and Anthes Avenue in town, then marched on Second and First streets, blocking some minor traffic as a few passersby filmed or observed the parade of signs protesting President Donald Trump, ICE, Elon Musk, transphobia and racism as people chanted “Power to the people, no one is illegal.”

As they marched on First Street, a man started cussing at the crowd, calling for the “commies” to be shot and walking aggressively towards the protesters.

“Get out of my country!” the man yelled as a woman struggled to pull him away.

At the park, student leaders invited participants to support and advocate for one another, even when they’re not personally affected by a specific form of intolerance.

Student representative Carter McKnight told the crowd that racism, homophobia, transphobia and other forms of intolerance are all connected, and urged the city of Langley to continue its commitment as a sanctuary city.

Langley is in fact the only sanctuary city on the island, a status that means that city resources cannot be used to assist ICE.

Students also shared tips on how to respond when approached by ICE agents and shared information about the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, a nonprofit that offers rapid-response training and legal assistance to resist anti-immigration activities in the state.

“We will not just sit quietly while people are being taken away from their homes, from their families, from their communities,” said Lilly Katzinger, a member of the United Student Leaders.

Fellow student and United Student Leaders member Molly Nattress said migrants, particularly those coming from Latin America, are often blamed for bringing crime to the country. At the same time, she said, many migrants leave their countries to escape the conditions created by the U.S. government’s influence.

Derek Hoshiko, who mentors the students, called for the older generations to support the youths in their effort to advocate for a better future while the environment, human health, public education, history and democracy are under threat.

He also invited community members to support the creation of a regenerative economy where resources are recirculated and people cooperate with one another to move past the extractive economy he said is exploiting people to make the wealthy wealthier.

The United Student Leaders concluded the event with an invitation to build a strong and supportive community by approaching a stranger in the crowd.

(Photo by Luisa Loi) Student protesters walk past the Clyde Theatre, holding signs that form the phrase “no fear, resist.”

(Photo by Luisa Loi) At left, Lilly Katzinger, Molly Nattress, Reed Atwood, Carter McKnight and Kjersti Ringsrud spoke about the importance of community and allyship.

(Photo by Luisa Loi) The United Student Leaders organized the protest in response to ICE’s raids around the country.

(Photo by Luisa Loi) The United Student Leaders organized the protest in response to ICE’s raids around the country.

(Photo by Luisa Loi) Wolfgang Nyland wore a shirt saying “Make America Not Racist For The First Time.”