ICE protest organized in Monett

Around two dozen people gathered on July 21 to hold a visible protest against the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) at South Kyler and Hwy. 60 in Monett. The protestors held signs, honked horns, and invited responses from passing motorists from 5-8 p.m. 

According to Xiomara (last name withheld by request), an incoming Monett High School senior, the protest was organized by Monett High School students. This was the first such event organized by these students and the second protest Xiomara herself had attended. 

“Separating families is always going to be the wrong thing to do,” she said. “Hate does not help to keep us unified. Hating a certain group puts all of us at risk.” 

Xiomara contacted Jim Kabell, Lawrence County Democratic chairman, about the protest. Kabell in turn called others to show support by “older people” for the students’ message, drawing another half dozen people to the demonstration. 

“I was extremely tickled to receive the call this afternoon,” Kabell said. “I’ve worked with several teens several years ago. We want to teach them to trust ‘an old white guy.’ When we started meeting, I asked how can we help?”

Kabell came with fliers describing the democratic process in both Spanish and English. These provided instructions on the importance of voting, who is eligible, and how to register to vote. The flier also had contact information for the Democrat Party. 

“We’re trying to get them involved, not necessarily to vote Democrat,” Kabell said. “This is another step forward.” 

Xiomara said no plans had yet been made for another demonstration. This was the first student-led political demonstration in Monett since June 2020, when students marched from South Park to City Hall to show solidarity protesting the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.