Providence Student Union Organizes Anti-ICE Walkout
The Providence Student Union has been advocating for a “student-led” strike against ICE, which took place in the city’s public schools last week. The campaign, titled “PPSD Students: Step Up for Justice,” started on Monday.
A Facebook post announced the event, stating, “This Friday at 1:30 p.m., students across the Providence Public School District will join Minneapolis in protest against ICE injustices, calling for a nationwide shutdown due to the ongoing violence from federal immigration enforcement. This is a peaceful, student-led action advocating for dignity and humanity for immigrant communities.”
“If you don’t stand up now, when will you stand up?” the post emphasized.
Subsequent posts criticized federal immigration officials. One emphasized the rejection of terror against immigrant communities, urging participation and encouraging students to dress warmly and promote the event, hoping to strengthen their message.
The strike was organized in solidarity with Minneapolis activists facing federal immigration actions, particularly honoring Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both of whom lost their lives due to law enforcement encounters.
The Providence Student Union, functioning as a nonprofit entity and not officially linked with the school district, reported substantial funds paid to its leaders in 2025.
The leadership of the Student Union includes adults, and some footage showed adults joining students at the protests in Rhode Island’s capital. Activist Nicole Solas expressed concern about the use of students in political debates, arguing that it’s unethical for adults to benefit financially from such activities.
Solas criticized the practice of engaging students in political events, suggesting they should not be exploited for adult agendas. Moreover, she proposed that school districts should avoid organizing students for political actions, especially when adults gain economically from such involvements.
Good was reportedly shot by ICE agents while attempting to flee from them during an incident, and Pretti also faced law enforcement prior to his death, armed with a handgun.
A spokesperson for the Providence Public School District reiterated that the district does not affiliate with the Student Union, clarifying that the event was not school-sponsored. They noted, “We are unaware of any staff involvement. Any employee wishing to participate would need to take personal leave since this event was not school-led.”
At the time of reporting, the Providence Student Union had not provided any commentary on the situation.
