By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews.com
Allen, TX — About 300 people, many of them high school and college-aged students, gathered Sunday at Watters Creek for a peaceful, youth-led protest focused on immigration enforcement and its local impact.
Students lined the sidewalks with handmade signs as passing drivers honked in support and a few jeered. The protest remained peaceful, with no arrests or incidents reported.
One attendee was described by others as possibly affiliated with a local chapter of Turning Point USA, though that could not be confirmed. He walked through the area without incident.
Organizers say the protest began in a high school, not a party office
Organizers said the event started with students, not political campaigns.
The Allen Progressive Eagles, a high school chapter associated with the High School Democrats of America, coordinated much of the turnout. Students said their goal was to create visibility for classmates, friends, and neighbors they believe are directly affected by immigration enforcement.
Hana Fayed, the group’s founder and chair, framed the protest as a call to reclaim what she sees as the original meaning of democracy.
“The word ‘democracy’ has been twisted and tainted,” Fayed said in a statement to TX3DNews. “It’s been given a negative connotation in ways we haven’t seen before, especially under this administration and with the presence of this horrible force called ICE infiltrating our environments and our communities.”
She said solidarity — not performance — was the focus.
“The purpose of this protest was to remember what democracy is actually supposed to mean. One of its most essential principles is solidarity. Standing up for something that has impacted so many people — our friends, our neighbors — is one of the strongest expressions of that solidarity.”
Fayed added that local coverage helps extend that message.
“It’s not about clout or performance; it’s about amplification. Even if you couldn’t be there today, this was our way of saying: we see you.”
Holden Killian, the group’s outreach director, described the moment as personally meaningful.
“Growing up in the country I never felt the hope or unity that I do now,” Killian said. “To have been able to grow up somewhere where people, of all ages, fight against tyranny is the reason I got involved. I hope that this sends a message … you are NOT welcome.”
Candidates and party leaders respond
Several local political figures attended or shared statements following the rally.
Evan Hunt, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Texas’ 3rd District, praised the students’ organization and turnout.
“Incredible to see the power of high school students to organize community action,” Hunt said. “Some people think that protests don’t matter, but JFK told us that each time a person stands up for an idea, they send forth a ripple of hope. I felt a wave of hope today.”
Jeremy Sutka, chair of the Collin County Democratic Party, said the event showed both frustration and civic energy.
“Today, over 300 voices rose together in Allen to loudly and clearly say: the terrorizing of our immigrant communities must end,” Sutka said. “This protest did not start in a political office. It started in a high school. It was organized by the courageous students.”
He added that organizers view the demonstration as a starting point, not an endpoint.
“Our work does not end with a protest. Our resolve is now firmer: we will work tirelessly to ensure that every single politician who has allowed this injustice over the past year is voted out at the very first opportunity.”
A local reflection of a national debate
Immigration enforcement remains one of the most polarizing issues across North Texas and nationwide, surfacing regularly at town halls, protests, and local political debates. Sunday’s demonstration reflected those broader tensions at a local level, with students organizing a visible but peaceful show of opposition to current federal policy.
Organizers and several Democratic leaders criticized enforcement actions and called for changes. Republicans have generally argued that stricter enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities are necessary for public safety. On X, Keith Self wrote, “ICE can’t enforce federal law without cooperation from local police.”
TX3DNews also contacted the chair of the Collin County Republican Party for comment on Sunday’s protest. As of publication, a response had not been received. This story will be updated if one is provided.
For several hours at Watters Creek, students lined the sidewalks with handmade signs as traffic passed — a quiet, youth-led demonstration tied to a national debate that continues to divide voters across the district.
I resent our youth being indoctrinated by a political party especially the democratic led party that opposes what we voted for When we elected president Trump Who promised to clean up the 25 million people that the Biden crime family led into this country with open borders