BY JAMES WERNICKE
Los Alamos

Yesterday I stood in the crowd as our high school students walked out of class, and I want to say clearly—I am proud of them.

I watched teenagers—many too young to vote—stand shoulder to shoulder, holding handmade signs, speaking with moral courage about the killing of Americans by federal agents under the banner of immigration enforcement. No young person should have to protest this.

As I stood there surrounded by students and other members of the community, it was impossible not to feel the weight of why they were there. These students are paying attention. They know that since Donald Trump returned to office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been emboldened—its reach expanded, its tactics hardened, and its accountability diminished. They know those deaths are brushed aside as collateral damage and they are not willing to accept that.

These students were focused and resolute. They understand something many adults prefer to ignore: silence is permission, and history does not look kindly on those who stand by while state violence goes unchecked.

Every movement for justice in this country has been led in part by young people who refused to wait their turn while others were being harmed. This day was no different and I believe these protests will not fade. Every time a person is killed without accountability, more people will decide they cannot stay quiet.

I was there and I want those students to know that many of us were not just watching—we were standing with them.