The Tower asked Princeton High School students for their opinions on recent activity of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) both locally and on a national scale. Here’s what they had to say.
I am Guatemalan, I am human, and I am not going anywhere
I am Guatemalan. And I am proud.
I do not believe deportation is wrong. I believe the intention behind it is what has gone off track.
There is nothing wrong with protecting a nation. But there is everything wrong with tearing apart innocent families in the name of it. I do not agree with deporting children who have known no other home. I do not agree with deporting mothers who rise before the sun, who clean, who care, who labor so their children might dream bigger than they ever could. I do not agree with deporting a man who works harder than most, who pays his taxes, who contributes to an economy that runs on the sweat of his back, doing the jobs that no one else will stand in the sun for ten hours to do.
Deport the predators. Deport the violent. Deport those who break the law and bring harm. But to deport a human being simply for the color of their skin, the accent in their voice, the pride they carry for where they came from? That is not policy. That is cruelty dressed in procedure. And it is dishonorable to the very idea of what America claims to be.
I do not need to call myself American to know I have built this country with my own hands. I do not need a plastic card to remind me I am human. And I should not need one to prove it to you. We are watching millions of dollars evaporate. Farms emptied. Hospitals understaffed. Buildings unfinished. Crops left to rot in the fields not because Americans won’t work, but because the workers who fed this nation have been cast out of it. And still, the lie continues: that we are takers. That we are invaders. That we are less than. But we are the ones holding this country up. And if they tear us down, the whole thing crumbles.
I am not asking for pity. I am asking for sight. See the mothers. See the fathers. See the children who only know this land as home. See the hands that feed you, that heal you, that build the walls around you.
This path we are on will not fix America. It will divide it. It will hollow it out from the inside.
I am proud of my culture. I am proud of my language. And it is not a crime to know more than one — it is a gift. One that built civilizations long before borders existed.
I am Guatemalan. I am human.
And I am not going anywhere.
Anonymous ’26
ICE is necessary to uphold the law
In my opinion, ICE is doing a good job. Why is it okay for people to enter this country illegally? Don’t get me wrong, the shootings of the two people were unacceptable, but why is it acceptable to enter this country illegally? The clowns that are in outrage against ICE think it’s okay for people to come in illegally? Are we serious? Supporting illegal immigrants means they are supporting those breaking the law. Ironic, isn’t it? But they call us Republicans the bad ones. The law is the law. Illegal immigration is ILLEGAL. Trump is doing a great job in office in all ways, and especially getting rid of people breaking the law. Finally someone who enforces the law. Actually do real research instead of reading and falling for this liberal propaganda. No one is above the law; if you travel to America illegally, you are breaking the law. Why get annoyed at ICE when they are enforcing the law? The issue is not ICE; it’s the bad border controlling letting these illegals in.
Anonymous ’27
ICE’s expansion attacks our freedom
I am appalled by the recent loss of innocent American blood and the repressive, systematic raids, even coming perilously close to PHS. We must take steps to stand against actions that intimidate our neighbors. An agency for legal immigration enforcement is necessary given the current crisis; its creation, per se, is a step toward curbing illegal immigration. However, its recent expansion has led to a direct attack on our freedom and constitutional rights.
While local governments are rather powerless, they must foster a good atmosphere and relationship within communities, condemning these illegal activities in their districts. The American people must find a common denominator despite polarization. Are slaughters and systematic illegal deportations not enough for us to unite? Our local representatives and governments must support our rights and the Constitution to protect the weakest in our society.
Anonymous ’27
Immigration enforcement delivers justice
I think what they are doing is great; people didn’t follow the rules and they should come to the country the right way. Because they are illegal, it’s expected that they have the risk of getting deported. On the other hand, I think the fact that people are getting hurt is upsetting, but if you play stupid games, you win stupid prizes.
Anonymous ’28
ICE’s activities threaten our safety
I believe ICE’s recent activities, both nationwide and in my community, raise huge concerns about fairness, safety, and the treatment of immigrant families. The recent aggressive enforcement and highly visible operations seem to create a lot of fear and uncertainty, especially for people who are trying to live normal lives. When people are aware that the shade of their skin can have them arrested or shot, they are entirely unlikely to venture outside and contribute positively to their community. I feel that when people are afraid to interact with schools, healthcare, or law enforcement, it weakens trust between individuals and makes communities less safe.
Local governments must be held more accountable in order to effectively protect their residents’ rights, promote transparency, and make sure policies reflect compassion as well as maintain public safety. Overall, it is important for everyone to support more humane and balanced approaches to immigration enforcement.
Anonymous ’29
Immigration enforcement respects legal immigrants
Personally, the idea of ICE and ensuring people are here legally is overall a good idea. Unfortunately, even though many illegal immigrants work and pay taxes, it would be unfair to the immigrants who came here through the legal process. Nonetheless, I do not agree with the way they hire ICE agents, as I feel it is too easy to become an agent. Hardworking “illegal immigrants” should be given a chance and at the least a fine for entering illegally, but criminals should be deported with no questions asked.
Anonymous ’27
ICE maintains order and security
I support the recent activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement because I believe enforcing immigration laws is an important part of maintaining national security and public safety. Nationwide, these efforts show that federal laws are being taken seriously and applied consistently. In our community, increased enforcement can create a sense of order and accountability, reinforcing the idea that laws matter.
Anonymous ’26
Corrupt authority warrants resistance
When the Gestapo invaded towns during its 1944 occupation of Italy, churches would ring their bells to let people know they weren’t safe. Princeton needs an alarm system. Have the churches ring their bells, send us a text message notification, just SOMETHING to let people know that they are not safe.
And once people are notified of ICE’s presence, the police need to be on these ICE agents until they are OUT.
The students of PHS didn’t spend 15 years learning about injustices and corrupt authority to sit back and turn a blind eye when the same things actually happen in real life.
So remember the mothers, remember the fathers, and remember the children whose lives have been affected by the kidnapping of loved ones and the fear that they will be next. Princeton should be the example for change, not the example of hesitance. Fight ICE. VIVA LA RESISTENCIA!
Anonymous ’26
ICE is unconstitutional
Disgusting, inhumane, and unconstitutional. Immigrants are what make America great. If you are looking to only deport “Illegal Felons,” start with the president, a felon, and his wife. Not American citizens.
Anonymous ’29