Students continue to march in support of DHS oversight; solidarity with immigrants

By Demarquis Milton, Contributing Writer

February 27, 2026

Voices echoed far beyond the nation’s capital as students gathered at Xavier University of Louisiana to peacefully demonstrate their support for immigrants and opposition to President Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

            “I think it is important to use my voice as a Xavierite,” said senior class vice president Jaymison Tillery, a Public Health major, who emphasized his support for the event on Feb. 27, and the attention it brought to immigration issues.

            The student-led march comes amid renewed national debates over not only the immigration policies, but also the enforcement actions federal agencies are taking to control citizen protests, undocumented immigration, and border security. It coincides with ongoing federal inquiries into the Department of Homeland Security, and the refusal of Congressional democrats to fund the DHS without significant changes to DHS’ immigration enforcement tactics. 

Organizers said the demonstration was intended to show solidarity with immigrant communities not only in New Orleans but across the country, while still reaffirming Xavier’s long-standing commitment to civic engagement and social justice.

            More than a dozen students gathered and marched through the Xavier community, holding handmade signs reading “Justice for Adriana Smith” and “Abolish ICE.” 

Speakers rotated through the crowd using a megaphone, while others led chants calling for justice, unity, and equality. Campus police monitored the demonstration shortly, which remained peaceful throughout the afternoon.

            “I think this specific protest went really well, and it’s really important that we do this, especially at this time with the Trump administration and all of the attacks on students; on people of color,” said second-year Loyola student Rosalina Framboise, who shared she participates regularly with social justice work.

            Other students vocalized similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of unity and continued advocacy.

            “I thought this protest was fantastic, a lot of people heard us, and that’s our goal, to let people hear what’s going on, not only in our city but in other cities,” said Dani Lopez, a second-year Loyola student who said she seeks justice and equality through activism. “We are united for a reason; we can’t let them make us think otherwise,” Lopez said.

            As chants continued to echo across the university and colorful handmade signs swayed in the breeze, students from different universities reflected on the importance of standing together. Students said the protest was not just about being heard or seen, but about sending a clear message that their communities will not remain silent in the face of injustice and inequality.

            “That’s exactly what they want, a bunch of power, and we have to fight because we can’t sit still and let people die, especially if we know that we have one another,” Lopez said.