UVU Students Protest Immigration Crackdown and Border Protection Presence at Job Fair
OREM — The debate over immigration policies has sparked a heated protest at Utah Valley University (UVU) as students voiced their concerns about federal immigration authorities' involvement in a job fair. The university hosted a career event where representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were present, seeking potential employees.
Loa Lee, a UVU student, expressed her frustration, stating, 'I cannot remain passive in the face of these actions. The recent killings of two protestors by immigration agents in Minneapolis have only intensified my resolve. These officials are too aggressive and are terrorizing peaceful protesters.'
Mackenzie Hillman, another student, highlighted the fear within the immigrant community, saying, 'Many immigrants are too afraid to protest due to the family separation caused by the crackdown. Family is paramount to me.'
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a key target of Trump's immigration crackdown, was notably absent from the job fair. However, CBP officials, responsible for detaining illegal immigrants, faced the protesters' anger. Rebekah Surtees, a demonstrator, criticized the agency's presence, stating, 'The Border Patrol has no business being here. They lack sufficient training and are merely individuals seeking quick paychecks.'
UVU officials confirmed that CBP was among the employers at the job fair, a recurring event for the past few years. While UVU emphasized the event's purpose as a platform for students to find internships and jobs, the protest gained momentum. Approximately 150 students gathered outside the Grand Ballroom, holding signs and demonstrating their disapproval.
Jack McNiven, the co-president of UVU's Civil Disobedience Club, praised the turnout, estimating that 'several hundred' protesters participated. This protest was one of many across Utah and beyond, reflecting the growing concern over immigration policies.
The Trump administration's budget bill allocates $165 billion to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and CBP, supporting the immigration crackdown. A significant portion of this budget, $4.1 billion, is dedicated to hiring new CBP officials, including 3,000 customs officers and 3,000 border patrol agents, with incentives of up to $60,000 for new hires.
Despite the controversy, UVU's job fair showcased the agency's commitment to border security. The CBP's website boasts, 'CBP takes immense pride in ensuring the safety of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.'
In recent events, CBP agents have assisted ICE in detaining immigrants, as seen in an operation in West Valley City, where two men were arrested and face deportation. The protesters, however, advocated for empathy and due process, urging the public to understand the immigrant experience and support the diversity that makes the country great.
