On February 25, as Public Safety officers and staff supervised, over 100 students, faculty, staff, and other immigrant rights activists flooded the 59th street entrance of John Jay College. Their chants echoed down the block, grabbing the attention of those walking by: “ICE out of our schools, ICE out of New York.”
Much of the backlash against the administration stems from the fall 2024 Career Con, where representatives from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were present without any prior notice or statements to students, faculty, or staff.
Despite the backlash met at the fall Career Con, John Jay’s Career Learning Lab hosted the spring Career Con from February 24 to the 27. The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York were among the employers present at the fair.
The presence of CBP and HSI ignited outrage within the John Jay community, sparking rallies and protests.
According to Floren Griese, a senior majoring in criminology and forensic psychology and a member of John Jay’s Immigrant Defense Committee, students have been expressing deep fear and concern.
“I talked to many students who were afraid because of these agencies and did not attend school. A professor told me how heartbroken she was when a student asked her if she is still safe on campus,” said Griese.
The manager of the Immigrant Student Success Center (IMSSC) Denise Vivar, assured students that accommodations could be made for those who did not feel safe coming to campus for their classes.
Yanira Rivera, a junior majoring in forensic psychology and president of John Jay’s Latin American Student Organization (LASO), shared her perspective on student concerns.
“I had heard rumors but didn’t think the school would actually act that way toward students,” said Rivera.
This year, the Career Learning Lab introduced a new approach to Career Con, incorporating employer information sessions. Customs and Border Protection was scheduled to host a special information session on Thursday, February 27.
This event led to another protest by the John Jay community on the day of the information session as students distributed hundreds of flyers throughout the campus. The crowd spilled over the sidewalk into the street of the 59th Street entrance. Huge posters and signs addressed issues such as birthright citizenship, deportation, and immigrant rights. In deep anger, protesters chanted, “DHS, military, and police recruiters out now!”
Among the protesters was Ariadna Robles, a senior majoring in forensic psychology and the social media coordinator for John Jay’s Mexican Student Association, who shared why she chose to protest.
“I chose to attend the protest because I couldn’t stay silent in the face of the recent injustices. It was deeply hurtful for John Jay to invite these departments,” she said. “A career fair should be a space where all students feel included, a place where they can build connections and grow, free from fear. Instead, it became a place of anxiety and exclusion,” said Robles.
Rivera also emphasized what she believes is the emotional impact of the protest.
“The protest was so powerful and moving. I got very emotional and started crying because of the overwhelming love I felt in the space. Students and faculty came together for such an important cause, and that is so beautiful,” said Rivera.
The protests against CBP and HSI have raised student voices, but uncertainty remains about the administration’s response.
Robles urged the John Jay administration to act, calling this a turning point for both the school and the community.
“Institutions must protect not just our safety, but our sense of belonging,” she said.
The administration has yet to respond publicly to the demands of the protesters, leaving many students awaiting action.
Griese reaffirmed that student activism will continue, including future rallies and “Know Your Rights” events.
“We will keep working with organizations at John Jay, other CUNY schools, and NYC campuses to make this city safe for immigrants,” said Griese.
