Wisconsin Student Groups Call for Abolishing ICE

Several University of Wisconsin student groups organized an “emergency rally” to call on the Trump administration to abolish the United States of America’s national borders, in addition to other concerns. Two of the groups that participated are the Young Democratic Socialists of America and the International Socialist Organization-Madison, which illustrates the socialist bent of the rally. The Daily Cardinal has the story.

The rally took place after news broke that violence broke out in a migrant caravan camp near the U.S. border in Tijuana, Mexico. The Trump administration made it clear that they are not inclined to respect asylum claims by participants in the migrant caravan, which has been broadcast on major news networks at least a week before Election Day this year.

However, the demands of these socialist groups appear to be common progressive talking points, without much in regards to meaningful solutions. The groups called for the elimination of the Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agency, which enforces customs and border security. The groups also called for “a united movement to demand amnesty for all immigrants and end the criminalization of crossing imaginary lines, known as borders,” per Nick Puetz, a member of the Socialist Alternative student group.

A student from the International Socialist Organization told the University of Wisconsin-Madison student newspaper that the rally sought to “build solidary, not just today for this caravan, but also for all migrants.” The student added, “We believe that it is the right of all people to travel and live where they wish. We are against borders.”

One of the chants was as follows: “Say it loud! Say it clear! Immigrants are welcomed here!”

Yet, despite the rhetoric at the rally, the rally participants apparently offered few specific solutions on how to accomplish their goals.

Related Topics