What did I see as Sacramento students rallied against Trump and ICE? Hope | Opinion

It is easy to feel deflated by the relentless assault on undocumented immigrants, especially in a climate where any community might suddenly find itself the target of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid.

Yet amid this darkness, hope radiates from the passion of our nation’s youth.

On Friday, students across the Sacramento region chose to skip class—not out of apathy, but to teach adults how to use their voices against the injustices of ICE and the policies of President Trump.

After witnessing what can only be described as their country on fire through their smartphone screens, these students didn’t spiral further into the online pit. Instead, they took to our state’s Capitol to put their passion on full display.

The youth are using their voices

I witnessed it while standing outside Luther Burbank High School in south Sacramento as students walked out, and headed to the Capitol.

Cars honked in solidarity as the students made their way to the light rail, with some raising their fists in proud response.

They marched as themselves—some in ski masks and pajamas, others in their school clothes and backpacks. Despite their casual attire, they carried themselves with a seriousness that reflected how deeply they are affected by seeing ICE sweep through communities, leaving devastation in its wake.

Burbank junior Mark Jhohann stood at a wooden podium while waiting for the light rail that would take them downtown.

“We are young, and people view us as reckless and stupid, but I view you all as the future’s voice,” Jhohann said as he gazed at the crowd of teenagers.

They are not just the voice of a new era; they are the light guiding us toward a future where our country rejects leaders who choose hate and greed.

On the ride to the Capitol, I spoke with students—many preferring to remain anonymous—about why they protested. Some were afraid for their futures and some sought hope in this shared moment with their peers. Others, though skeptical change would come, still showed up, unwilling to remain silent and open to learning about the issue.

At the Capitol, Jhohann shared that a week earlier, his attempt to organize a separate demonstration drew had drawn little interest. Now, he stood before a crowd of roughly 1,500 students—all listening, all present, all willing to be counted.

That’s a moment Jhohann will use to be a leader in this community and that’s what protesting is about. It’s about using our voices to speak justice to power.

The youth are our hope

Teenagers often carry a raw energy and emotion that can feel overwhelming and unfocused. Yet Friday’s protest offered more than 1,000 young people a chance to pour their hearts into a common cause: ICE must go.

Atrocities like those committed by ICE can only be halted if generations unite to agree that such actions must never become the standard by which a society lives.

We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, but it is up to the next generation to plant themselves firmly on the foundation laid for them.

Friday’s protest is proof that hope endures, because the younger generation will not stand idly by in the face of hatred. These kids will grow up and be lawyers, doctors, and community leaders who will shape Sacramento into a place that stands firm with our neighbors when they are being bullied.

That is a reason for all of us to be hopeful.