On January 31, 2025, Arizona State University (ASU) became the focal point of heated tensions surrounding immigration policy as over 700 protesters gathered to oppose the actions of the College Republicans United (CRU), a conservative student group. The CRU had set up a table on the Tempe campus aimed at encouraging students to report undocumented classmates to federal immigration authorities, which sparked widespread outrage and prompted calls for solidarity among student activists.
The rally, organized by Aliento at ASU, drew attention not only from the student body but also from the local community. Students voiced their concerns loudly, marching near Hayden Library where the CRU was tabling. Aliento, known for advocating within immigrant communities, described the CRU's actions as harmful and contrary to the values of the university's academic community.
Emily Sotelo Estrada, co-chair of Aliento, spoke passionately at the demonstration. "It's hard to see and hear people trying to incite division like this, especially when everyone around you, everyone you love is an immigrant," she told reporters. Her sentiments were echoed by many at the protest, who gathered not only to oppose CRU but to affirm their commitment to unity and support for undocumented students.
The CRU’s initiative drew criticism from ASU itself. A statement from the university highlighted concern about the group’s actions not aligning with ASU's principles of fostering learning and community. "We are here to teach and learn — not to engage in self-aggrandizing conduct meant solely to generate as much media attention and controversy as possible," ASU officials remarked.
When CRU members attempted to engage with students about their immigration policies, tensions flared. During the rally, the CRU table was reportedly flipped over, symbolizing the frustration and anger many felt toward the group’s message. Isaiah Alvarado, president of the CRU, stated, "We're not even going to break a million deportations by the end of his four years," emphasizing their desire for stricter immigration enforcement. This aggressive stance was met with disdain and disbelief by many participants at the rally.
Witnessing the outpouring of support for undocumented students was reinforcing for protesters. Zakir Siddiqi, co-chair of the Arizona Green Party, noted the significance of the moment: "It's reassuring and reaffirming to see this is not where we're going as a community because there’s about three or four people trying to play up fears for deportation, and we have about 1,000 people here in response to make sure they feel like there's resistance." He encouraged the university administration to acknowledge the public’s response and reconsider how they manage divisive rhetoric on campus.
The event also caught the attention of local lawmakers. The Arizona House of Democrats condemned CRU's tabling action, calling it "an atmosphere of intimidation and terror for anyone who does not fit the ‘Anglo-American look.'" This statement reflected the growing pressures on institutions to maintain safe environments for all students, especially amid rising anti-immigrant sentiments across the country.
The protest concluded after about two hours, but many attendees left feeling empowered by their participation. An atmosphere of solidarity prevailed, bolstered by shared goals and experiences. Protest organizers emphasized the importance of showing love and support during such challenging times. Sotelo Estrada remarked, "I hope, during this time, everyone remembers to lead with hope, love and compassion. The only way to fight hate and anger and harmful rhetoric is to show some love."
While the CRU may have aimed to provoke, the massive turnout against their message demonstrated the strong resistance among many ASU students and community members willing to stand up for inclusive values. The power of collective voices united for change is palpable, igniting hope for future advocacy efforts on campus.
On January 31, 2025, ASU's campus echoed with chants and messages of resistance and solidarity, interlaced with calls for compassion and inclusion among students—a reflection of the growing activism surrounding immigration issues at educational institutions across the nation.