Demonstrators, part of the “ICE OUT” march, march away from the Mission Santa Clara de Asis on the campus of Santa Clara University on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

More than 600 Santa Clara University students gathered at the Bronco statue on Friday afternoon to join a nationwide day of action, marking one of the largest student protests the University has seen in years. The rally called for the removal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement from communities, following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this month.

The rally organized by Santa Clara University’s Students for Justice in Palestine was part of a coordinated national protest called “Stand with Minnesota, ICE OUT.” On Jan. 30, hundreds of protests took place across the country including in the Bay Area.

Prior to the rally, student speaker Elijah Goss ’28 addressed the crowd. “Like many of you I am here today because I am frustrated, because I am angry, because I am motivated and because I am scared,” he said.

A crowd listens to Elijiah Goss speak at the “ICE OUT” rally and march by the Bronco statue on the campus of Santa Clara University on Friday Jan. 30, 2026. Similar demonstrations took place around the country in support of protests in Minneapolis against ICE’s actions in Minnesota. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Chanting phrases like “Say Their Name,” students marched on campus holding signs reading “ICE Out of Everywhere,” “Justice for Renee Good,” “We are skipping our lessons to teach you one.” When asked the purpose of the protest, organizers framed the rally as an act of solidarity with Minnesota and with immigrant communities nationwide, emphasizing that what happened in Minneapolis could happen anywhere.

Caroline Shah ’28 said the inhumane acts of violence happening in Minnesota is what motivated her to attend. “I’m here in wake of everything that’s happened in Minnesota and the world,” she said.“It’s just been so heartbreaking for so many communities and there’s no way that anyone should have to live like this.”

Demonstrators chant along with a speaker during the “ICE OUT” rally and march on the campus of Santa Clara University on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Associated Student Government President Claire Krebs ’26 and Vice President Sophia Standard ’26 shared a statement on Instagram emphasizing Santa Clara University’s Jesuit values in explaining their support for the protest.

“We, as a society and as a community, must collectively stand up to these actions and refuse to be silent” the statement said. The statement further called to acknowledge the harm ICE enforcement has caused in Minnesota and beyond, particularly to marginalized communities.

The statement also called on the University administration to support undocumented students and students from mixed-status families, arguing that current federal immigration policies directly conflict with Jesuit principles of human dignity and social justice.

Hundreds of protestors gathered in front of the Bronco statue. **(Dylan Ryu/The Santa Clara)**

International students at Santa Clara University were advised by the University to avoid large public demonstrations, including Friday’s rally, due to potential immigration risks.

In an email sent ahead of the protest, the University warned that participation in protests or related social media activity “may continue to have an impact on their immigration status and/or future immigration benefits,” including possible visa revocation.

“Gen Z, we are growing up, we are entering the ‘real world,’ and we have the power to create a world that reciprocates, that creates equal opportunity, that provides justice to each and every community,” Gavin Brunman, ’27, told The Mercury News.