‘It is right to rebel.’ Anti-ICE protesters march through Penn State’s campus

Donning masks, keffiyehs and equipped with signage, a group of around 30 protesters gathered at the Allen Street Gates on Thursday evening “to fight against imperialism and ICE terror,” according to distributed flyers.

The anti-ICE demonstration was organized by the Student Committee for Defense and Solidarity and other local groups after at least 24 construction workers were detained late last month along Centre County highways by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Organizers said the event was also an effort to make their voices heard by the Penn State Board of Trustees — who met earlier in the day Thursday and are scheduled to meet again Friday.

In social media posts about the protest, the groups demanded the university refuse to collaborate with ICE, and offer “effective, material support and guarantees” to immigrant students, staff and faculty. At least 25 international student visas were revoked this spring only to later be reinstated by the Trump administration.

“While some rank and file members of Penn State staff and faculty have done their best to support immigrant students, the upper levels of Penn State Administration have remained silent while students, faculty, staff, and workers in our community have already suffered anti-immigrant attacks,” a social media post read.

On Thursday, the group’s chants included “It is right to rebel,” and “Immigrants are welcome here.” Members from other social justice organizations such as Students for Justice in Palestine and the United Socialists at Penn State gave speeches condemning ICE and demanding trustees “support immigrants.”

While the protest started out peaceful, a confrontation between a man and the group drew a large police response. Shortly after a speech from one of the organizers, the man approached the group and began waving his walking stick at the protesters while shouting expletives. The verbal altercation quickly turned physical, with protesters and the man pushing each other.

During the altercation, the man fell to the ground multiple times and could be heard saying, “I’m only 70 years old.” He was later escorted away by State College police officers while other officers accompanied the protesters as they marched to Nittany Lion Inn, where they presumed some trustees were staying.

A police officer on scene declined to comment on whether any charges would be filed.

Not all of the protesters were involved in one of the organizing groups. First-year student Devin Schultz said “he followed the noise.”

He said he felt compelled to join the group, and was in support of their demands.

“I’ve seen the news ... and it’s honestly horrendous what’s going on,” Schultz said. “Honestly, the only thing holding me back, is that I haven’t had time to make a sign.”

The group chanted its demands for trustees outside the Nittany Lion Inn for around 15 minutes before continuing their march.

Anne, a SCDS organizer, said she came to the protest with no “distinguishable features” because of fear of university retaliation. She’s been involved with the organization for three years as she “feels a responsibility to defend people in the community.”

“If they’re not safe, none of us are safe,” Anne said.

Anne currently serves as a patrol member for a program called “Serve The People Brigade.” It’s a joint campaign between SCDS and People’s Defense Front to “combat and resist ICE terror,” according to social media posts.

Anne, along with other organizers, invited protesters to join, but said they would not disclose where trainings happen because of the police presence.

The demonstration concluded at the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building and organizers encouraged protesters to not speak with law enforcement as they dispersed.

“They’re not here to protect us. They’re not our friends,” an organizer said.