Crowd marches in Calexico downtown for deported DACA student

A small group of people marched and chanted along First Street in Calexico downtown from Heffernan Avenue to the front of the port of entry on Saturday morning.

Marlene Thomas, organizer for the National Association for Advancement of Colored People said it was in protest of the deportation of 23-year-old Imperial Valley College student Juan Manuel Montes that happened on February 17.

“We’re out here to bring awareness and support for all DACA students,” Thomas said.

She said Montes was protected under DACA – the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

“When the present administration came in, they categorically said that the DACAs would not be targeted. This has not been the case,” Thomas said.

She said the deportation of Montes shows anyone of color can be deported.

“Brown, black. It’s an everyday occurrence. It’s nothing new,” Thomas said.
Brawley resident Esther Martinez said she fears for Hispanic families.

“Any one of us can be out here in the street walking, and they can be stopped and questioned about their legal status in the country. And they can end up deported,” Martinez said.

Tomas Oliva, Imperia County field representative for Congressman Juan Vargas, said Vargas wants an explanation from government officials.

“We sent a letter in April as soon as we found out the deportation of Mr. Montes. And, we’re really just asking for policies, guidelines, what has been directed to agents, specifically to border patrol,” Olivas said.

The Reverend Markco King, president of I.V. NAACP chapter, said Saturday’s march is just the beginning of their efforts to fight what he calls an injustice.

“We have to come together as a people. Black, white, brown, red, yellow. We’re all in this together,” King said.