FIGHTING FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM
Students and community members gathered together to fight what they believe in
The lyrics “Soy Mexicano esa es mi bandera" roared out of passing cars on the Niblick St. Bridge as over 100 members of the community gathered to show their Hispanic pride and support towards immigrants on Feb. 3. While many gathered around Paso Robles to show support, another form of protest took place at work and even schools. Many classrooms across the PRHS campus had missing students.
This was Paso’s contribution among adults and teens in the state and national strike “A Day Without Immigrants,” revolving around not going to school, not working, and not shopping. This national strike served as a peaceful protest trying to show America –and the White House – how important immigrants are to the country and economy. Recent anti-immigrant policies taking place around the country have reinvigorated the effort.
At the Niblick Rd bridge, the Paso Robles protest occurred from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Community members of all diversities showed up, waving Mexican-American flags and impactful signs. Cars passing by stopped to honk, representing how Paso is a community that protects fellow members in hard times.
PRHS attendance did not reflect increased school absenteeism during Monday Feb 3, 2025, according to Bea Santoro, attendance clerk reported a 92% attendance rate during the protest; the previous Monday Jan. 27 had a 91% attendance rate.
This protest was organized by two young community members, Esme Solis and sister. They said they did this to speak for those who can't.
"We wanted to organize this protest so that everyone can be united and no one has to be alone,”
Picture: Protesters gathered together holding the American flag and Mexico flag on the corner of Niblick bridge as cars pass by
THE STUDENTS ARE SPEAKING
Students participate in a attendance boycott at PRHS and later gather at the Niblick Bridge to protest against mass deportation
"NO ONE IS ILLEGAL" (Niblick Bridge ) :
Senior Dayana Aispuro participated in the attendance boycott where students from immigrant families stayed home from school. She spent her time away from school at the anti- deportation protest where she devoted two hours of cheering and holding her sign with pride. Aispuro said she wanted to protest and speak up for those who don’t have a voice or are worried about the mass deportations. When asked what her message to those families would be, she said “Sí, se puede,” which translates to “yes, you can.”
“I am here for my parents who worked so hard to come here. Right now I feel very supported by my community and to come here and see everyone is a great feeling,” senior Dayana Aspiro said. Aspiro went on to explain, “I skipped school today to show people how different school would look without students like me, I also wanted to skip school to protest and fight for my right.”
"NO ONE IS ILLEGAL" (Niblick Bridge ) :
Both seniors, Renata Perez and Gabriela Verduzco stood on the bridge protesting against ICE raids, because they believed nobody is illegal on stolen land.
“Para todas las familias inmigrantes que sienten que no tienen una voz, nos paramos para defender a todos, no importa de donde vengan, unidos seremos uno y escuchados,” senior Renata Perez said.
THE DIVIDE (Niblick Bridge):
Senior Julissa Rangel says she skipped school that day because her father asked her to. She explained that her and her family felt that they needed to be seen for their contribution to the community. “My parents had a dream. I took the day off because my dad told me to, because we are fighting for us, we are fighting for the rights of immigrants,” she said.
“ Estoy aquí protestando porque mis padres vinieron de México para darme una mejor vida. Estoy aquí porque ellos tenían un sueño. Y entonces me tomé el día fuera de escuela para pelear por nosotros,” senior Julissa Rangel said.
REPRESENTING (Niblick Bridge ) :
REANGELLE ROSAS (Niblick Bridge) :
Michelle Rosas (Left), Reangelle Rosas (right)
Junior Reangelle Rosas and her older sister Michelle Rosas, who graduated last year spent two and a half hours at the protest wearing clothing that represented their culture. The Rosas sisters are first generation Mexican-Americans. The two wore their traditional Mexican striped rebozos as they held up a Mexican flag with pride. When asked about R. Rosas’s representation she said “I wore a jacket with the Mexican flag on, not to reject where I was born (the U.S.) but to embrace where my family is from and my culture.”
Nahomi Colmenares, 11 (on right side with glasses)
NAHOMI COLMENARES (Niblick Bridge) :
Sophomore Nahomi Colmenares holds a Mexican flag at the Niblick Bridge in Paso Robles during the anti-deportation protest.
THE FILLED BRIDGE
From end to end the bridge is full with protesters and cars honking in support.
CARS PASSING SHOWING SUPPORT TO PROTESTERS
