In a powerful display of solidarity, students from grades six through twelve gathered at Heber City Park on Thursday afternoon to voice their concerns over immigration policies and enforcement. This student-led protest, which drew participation from Timpanogos and Rocky Mountain middle schools as well as Wasatch High School, echoed similar demonstrations held across Utah, reflecting the growing unease surrounding immigration issues in local communities. The atmosphere at the park was charged with a sense of purpose as students held signs emblazoned with messages like "I speak for those who can’t" and "Stop saying your racism is patriotic." As cars and trucks passed by, many drivers showed their support by honking horns and cheering from their windows, amplifying the students' calls for justice and change. Among the demonstrators was Evelyn Cardenas Morelos, who articulated the collective sentiment of the group. "I’m here for my parents and for all immigrants. We are not aliens, we are not savages, we are human beings," she declared passionately. Her remarks underscored the emotional stakes involved, as many students feared for their families in light of heightened immigration enforcement across the nation. The protest took an unexpected turn when an adult male confronted the students, tearing up their signs and making derogatory comments. This incident prompted local resident Susan Lee to intervene, expressing her disapproval of the man's behavior. "Dude, you’re an adult, grow up. Disagree politely," she said, reflecting the protective sentiment shared among many adults who attended the event. Allison Weller, a parent whose child was participating, expressed her support for the students and the necessity of their voices being heard. "They’re obeying all the rules, and they’re great kids. I’m glad to see them out and involved in government," she commented. Weller emphasized the importance of fostering civic engagement among young people, especially in times of social upheaval. The rally was organized by eight students from Wasatch High School, including Xander Shelber and Nadya Mitchell, who began planning the event just days prior. "We saw a ton of other schools doing it, and our friend group was like, ‘Hey, we should have one,’" Shelber explained. His initial apprehension about turnout was dispelled by the strong attendance, which he described as "amazing." Mitchell noted that the timing of the protest was intentional, as the presence of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in Wasatch County schools had not been reported recently. "We have an opportunity to protest this, and other schools don’t. ICE isn’t in our school district," she stated, highlighting the urgency felt by students who want to take action while they still can. The event transitioned to an open mic session at the park's bandshell, where students voiced their thoughts on immigration, community, and government accountability. "If they did it in the ’60s, we can do it now," Mitchell said, reminding attendees of the historical context of student activism. Several students used the platform to express their frustrations with current policies and to reiterate the notion that America is fundamentally a nation of immigrants. As the rally progressed, concerns about safety arose when a student’s mother reported that ICE agents might be nearby. The students decided to disperse, prioritizing their safety over the continuation of the demonstration. However, Heber City Police Chief Parker Sever later confirmed that no ICE units were present during the event, adding a lighter note by humorously suggesting that if they were, they must have been hiding. The police did respond to another incident during the protest when a 13-year-old student was arrested for allegedly throwing a cup of ice at an 18-year-old man wearing pro-Trump apparel. The young man, who was not injured, expressed his desire for peaceful discourse, stating, "I don’t want anyone to get hurt. We’ve already had way too many people get hurt." The protest drew mixed reactions, but many attendees echoed the sentiment that the youth needed a platform to express their concerns. Local business owner Verónica Casas spoke about the importance of peaceful protest and the collective strength it brings. "Unity creates strength, and the more of us there are, the better, because that way we can be heard," she said, emphasizing the need for community solidarity. As the students returned to their schools, many carried with them a sense of accomplishment and a renewed commitment to advocacy. The event served not only as a platform for expressing immediate concerns but also as a reminder of the power of youth engagement in shaping the future of their community and country. This gathering in Heber City is indicative of a larger movement among young people across the nation who are increasingly willing to stand up for their beliefs and the rights of others, reinforcing the adage that the future belongs to the youth. Through their bravery and organization, these students have demonstrated that despite the challenges they face, they are committed to making their voices heard in the ongoing dialogue about immigration and societal justice.