ASU protest erupts in support of Dreamers targeted by Republican student group
Counter protest at ASU in support of Dreamers
A group called College Republicans United held a gathering for students to report illegal students, prompting an even larger counter protest on the Arizona State Campus.
TEMPE, Ariz. - A large protest broke out today on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University.
Students supporting Dreamers and promoting a safe learning space gathered at the same time and place as a small student group that was set up to encourage other students to report suspected illegal immigrants.
Word has been spreading for days that a Republican student group would set up a table on campus to encourage students to report illegal immigrants attending ASU.
It happened this morning and they we’re instantly surrounded.
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Big picture view:
Thousands of students marched in circles around the College Republicans United Group that set up their single fold-out table in the center of campus, manned by four young men.
"I’m here because I’m the proud child of an immigrant and I believe that we need to stop these inhumane raids by ICE. They should not be allowed to go into our section, our schools, at churches - especially without warrants," said a student protester named Diana.
The other side:
The student Republican group, CRU, is asking students to report other illegal immigrant students to ICE. They held their own posters with phone numbers and websites on how to do it.
The group was taking plenty of heat and defending their position to anyone who asked.
"It's insulting that when other people come in here they're given a welfare check, a pathway to citizenship and they don't have anything compared to the pioneers who came with nothing when they saw this land," said one member of the College Republicans United.
What Happened:
A few protester confronted the CRU group at their folding table and asked questions. Others tried to argue, but tempers mostly stayed in check until the group packed up and left.
Protestors hope the university gets the message.
"I mean, we overpower them. I think the whole message here is to spread love, not hate, so they’re not really getting that much attention. We’re not worried about it," said Diana.
What they're saying:
An ASU spokesperson sent us this statement:
There was a small police presence but no one was seen taken into custody or injured.