Students, faculty and staff of WNMU, as well as community members, participated in a march in support of immigrants in Silver City, NM, Wednesday, February 19, 2024SILVER CITY, NM—Students in Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA) at WNMU organized a march on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in response to recent national tensions surrounding immigration. Marchers held signs expressing concern about current policies and supporting immigrants' rights.

Members of the student body, faculty, staff, and broader community took part in the march, making their way down College Avenue, along Bullard Street and concluding at Gough Park.

MEChA President Carlos Carranza said that the group organized the march to express solidarity with immigrants and their families. "We are the voices of those that do not have them," he said. "It is important for MEChA to be the voice at WNMU for our people."

MEChA Vice President Valeria Adame agreed. "I think it is important to let students know that they are heard and their concerns are shared with others," she said. "This is a way to let new members know what MEChA's purpose is."

MEChA was formed in the 1960s as an outgrowth of the civil rights movement and the Chicano Movement. Today it exists as several hundred loosely affiliated chapters, mostly on college campuses. Promoting educational empowerment for Chicanos is a central part of its mission.

Professor of History Scott Fritz, who teaches courses in American history, said that he chose to join the march to express his concern about the direction the country is taking. The policies of the new administration, he said, "are not only threatening the civil rights of immigrants, but are also destroying the foundation of American democracy that our republic was built on."

WNMU mental health therapist Shelby Wilkie said she felt both a professional and personal call to participate. "As a mental health therapist on campus, social worker, and person, it is my job to stand up for people who are being oppressed," she said. "This is an issue that is directly impacting the mental health of many students. Our students need staff and faculty who are willing to support them … loudly and without letting their own fear get in the way."

One marcher, who identified herself as a Silver City resident and a granddaughter of immigrants, commended the student leaders that made the event happen for taking a stance on an issue of social justice. "As a Latina and a WNMU alum," she said, "I felt proud to walk alongside them. They're not only fighting for our students now, but for our future ones as well."