WEST NORRITON – The impacts of escalating immigration enforcement locally prompted mention from several speakers at Tuesday’s Norristown Area High School graduation ceremony.
“It’s been heartbreaking to observe ICE raids that have taken place this past few months. These raids are tearing families apart,” said Alex Rojas-Romero, valedictorian of the Class of 2025.
He was wearing a graduation stole with the Mexican flag on it, reflecting his parents’ heritage.
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The joyous day featured decorated caps, heartfelt remarks in English and Spanish, as well as roaring applause for the 561 graduates who reached an important milestone and by receiving their diplomas.
But some of the noted speakers chose to acknowledge what’s been happening outside the high school’s hallowed halls and how it’s impacted the community living within the Norristown Area School District’s geographic boundaries of Norristown as well as East and West Norriton townships.
“Imagine coming home from school, and not seeing your parents there. Wondering where they are, calling them, not being able to reach them,” Rojas-Romero said. “Then finally finding out they are in the process of being sent back home despite knowing their home is here.”
The latest uptick in immigration enforcement came as part of a federal crackdown brought forth by President Donald Trump’s immigration-focused executive actions and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement directives. Those include allowing ICE authorities to target places such as churches and schools.
Norristown, the county seat, has an estimated 35,769 residents with 32.9% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures. The Norristown Area School District has 7,598 students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year. Of those, school district data lists 52.8% as Hispanic.
“Our district is a microcosm of the world, with students from various backgrounds, ethnicities and walks of life,” said Norristown Area School Board President Christopher Jaramillo. “Each of you brings something different to the table, and it is this diversity that makes us stronger.”
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After receiving legal guidance, school district officials publicized immigration-related policies in late January, placing an emphasis on maintaining student rights to obtaining a public education.
“We understand that news of increased enforcement activity across our region may cause concern and uncertainty, especially within immigrant families,” Jaramillo said, emphasizing “our district remains steadfast in our promise to keep our schools safe, maintain inclusive spaces where every student is valued, protected and supported regardless of background or immigration status….”
Rojas-Romero and Salutatorian Santiago Cancino-Alvarez, who also wore a stole depicting the Mexican flag, took a moment to express their gratitude to their loved ones in their remarks.
“Gracias mom, for always pushing me to be the best,” Rojas-Romero said.
Cancino-Alvarez acknowledged his parents with kind words in Spanish too. Holding commonality, as they shared anecdotes about the “sacrifices our parents made” going on a journey for a better life.
“While I cannot speak for every graduate here, something that many of us in the Class of 2025 share is an immigrant background,” Cancino-Alvarez said, adding that “my parents immigrated to the United States when I was younger, hoping that their children would have opportunities they never had. They left everything — their friends, their home and their families — all for their children. That kind of love and hope is what brought us here.”
“My parents share an experience familiar to other parents here before us,” Rojas-Romero said. “They came here from a rough life. They lived in Mexico and left in hopes of creating a brighter future for their family, in hopes that their children, and all the generations to come, would never experience similar hardships.”
But obstacles have endured for many families throughout the region. Rojas-Romero observed that “present-day America has made it much more difficult for immigrant parents to prosper and work toward these dreams.”
As county officials reported around 20 detainments last week, more than 100 people gathered over the weekend to attend a Montco Stands with Immigrants demonstration at the corner of West Marshall and George streets in Norristown.
“It might feel like your future choices are predestined because of systematic biases such as the ICE raids we experienced or witnessed in Norristown,” he said.
But Rojas-Romero said he learned integrity and perseverance through hard work from his parents and underscored how crucial it is to recognize injustice and recognize compassion. Those sentiments he hoped his fellow alumni would impart to others as they get older and start their adult lives.
“Fellow graduates, it is now up to us to hold these values, crush difficulties and establish a new community,” he said. “An accepted and inclusive environment where immigrants and non-immigrants alike can succeed. A nation where every one of us is granted the same level of education, protection from discrimination and valuing of opinions.”
“Graduates, you are the architect of your destiny,” Jaramillo said. “Remember the importance of empathy, kindness and understanding. These virtues will serve as your compass as you navigate the complexities of life. No matter where your journey takes you, always carry the lessons you learned here in Norristown.”
Referring to the school district’s “Welcome School Resolution” passed in September 2024, Jaramillo tasked the graduating seniors to “each embrace the leadership role of our resolution” in order to “stand up for families, expand kindness and build bridges with a diverse community.”
“Your voice and actions can help ensure that Norristown not only welcomes all [who] walk through our doors today, but also champions unity and compassion for generations to come,” Jaramillo said.
Source: Berkshire mont