Local students joined together in an organized ICE protest in Vernal on Thursday that followed Aggie Blvd to the roundabout and then east on Main Street, making its way through downtown. Uintah Seniors Lynk Jones and Cayden Bristol organized the protest, coordinating with police ahead of time and encouraging participants to demonstrate their views while remaining peaceful. Cayden said they had a peaceful protest with only one brief verbal altercation that was quickly dealt with. “It’s very important that everyone knows the meaningfulness of speaking up and stating your views peacefully and civilly,” shared Cayden. “Around the state of Utah, hundreds of students walked out in defense of every person who has been unjustly or falsely detained, killed, or deported. I thank everyone who showed up so much, everybody was extremely respectful and effectively showed the power of peaceful protest. Everyone in this country needs to stand up, speak up, and never give up.” When asked why this cause is important to him, Lynk Jones said, “I.C.E. needs to be held to the same standards as our law enforcement and military…This isn’t to say that anyone can come in as they see fit, but that every person in the country has certain rights, and we feel that those inalienable rights have been alienated by the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement.” Some vehicles were driving around with pro ICE signs but peace and respectful demonstration among all was maintained.
