STUDENT VOICES REFLECT FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY ABOUT ICE

Malikaih Mulloy

The Advocate

Reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the Gresham area have drawn increased attention and concern within the Mt. Hood Community College community. Several MHCC students say the presence of ICE, along with uncertainty surrounding its operations, has created a growing sense of fear and distress, even for those who have not directly encountered agents. 

In interviews conducted by The Advocate, students described a heightened sense of vigilance, changes to daily routines, and concern for friends and family members who may be more directly affected. While experiences varied, most shared a common feeling of anxiety tied to not knowing where ICE may be operating or what rights they have if approached. 

“It makes me uncomfortable,” one student said, explaining that while they had not been personally impacted, they were concerned for friends who had. “I know that it negatively impacts a lot of people.” 

Another student described the presence of ICE as “terrifying,” saying it has made them more aware of their surroundings when leaving home or traveling through the area and expressing lingering concerns that ICE agents could be anywhere. 

Several students emphasized that the fear they feel is not tied to specific incidents but to the atmosphere created by ongoing reports of ICE activity in communities throughout the Portland metro area, including Gresham and surrounding neighborhoods. 

For some, that fear has translated into tangible changes in behavior. One student said they now avoid traveling into Portland unless absolutely necessary, citing concerns for personal safety. “It’s changed how I act,” the student said. “I don’t go there if I don’t have to.” 

That same student also shared that they now carry a copy of their birth certificate whenever they leave home, describing it as a precaution taken in response to uncertainty surrounding enforcement practices. Others noted seeing fewer people in public spaces such as grocery stores and churches, particularly among communities they believe may feel especially vulnerable. 

“You see fewer people, especially people who look like me, going outside,” the student said. “More people just staying inside. It’s scary.” 

Some students expressed frustration and anger about what they see as broader systemic issues related to immigration enforcement, while others struggled to articulate their feelings, describing a general sense of unease rather than specific fears. 

“I haven’t really been impacted by it,” one student said. “But I know that my friends have, and that’s not a good feeling.” 

Across the board, students repeatedly pointed to confusion and a lack of clear information as contributing factors to their anxiety. Several said they were unsure about their rights if approached by ICE or where to find reliable resources for themselves or their families. 

As ICE activity continues to be a local and national concern, students say access to clear, accurate information and reassurance around safety remains critical. The Advocate will continue to report on the issue, including available resources and student rights related to immigration enforcement.