Students Organize Walkout in Support of Immigrants

On Thursday, February 26^th, 2026, students organized a walkout in front of the atrium protesting ICE in support for immigrants across the nation. This event started at 12:00pm and lasted until 1:00pm. There were students, faculty, and BVM Sisters in attendance holding handmade signs in support of a variety of speakers. KCRG-TV9, Dubuque’s local news channel, was also present at the event recording the speeches made within the first half hour of the walkout. The second half involved a peaceful walk along Grandview Avenue and Locust Street.

The event was organized by Psych-Club members Emma Shea-Wopinek and Auriana Villanueva. They stated that the intention of the walkout was to give students who wish to a chance to “peacefully protest immigrant justice and solidarity with families impacted by ICE enforcements.” The walkout had designated student marshals and campus security present to ensure the safety of all participants. The core values of the event as listed by Emma and Auriana include “nonviolence, respect for all individuals, student and community safety, protection of undocumented and mixed-status individuals, and accountability.”

The first half of the walkout was opened by Emma Shea-Wopinek, and she stated that the reason they organized this event was because “Silence is not an option,” and “No human is illegal.” Former executive director of the Coalition for Human Rights, Sister Richelle Freeman, followed Emma’s speech and shared experiences she has had with immigrants who have faced immigration and ICE challenges. Emma and Sister Richelle’s opening speeches were followed by more speeches spoken by Auriana Villanueva, any student speakers who wished to share their emotions or personal experiences with ICE, and Megan Ruiz. Megan Ruiz is the executive director of the Lantern Center; the Lantern Center is a nonprofit organization that offers English lessons as well as help in studying for the citizenship test for immigrants in Dubuque free of charge. The second half of the protest was dedicated to walking along the intersection on Locust Street and Grandview Avenue.

For students who wish to become more involved in supporting immigrant justice, the Psych Club plans on collaborating with Clarke’s Hispanic Student Union in hosting a fundraiser they are calling “Shave ICE, Not Families” where they plan on selling raspados and conchas to honor the immigrant families that have been impacted by ICE.