Anti-deportation, anti-Trump protests continue | Durham drug dealer deported | Plagiarizing CHCCS superintendent leaving | Deputies break up post-game fight at East Wake High
No. 110 — Feb. 2-Feb. 8, 2025
Mexicans protest immigration enforcement in Raleigh
The first day of this week started with another rally in protest of illegal immigrants being deported, with a group waving and wearing Mexican flags marched through Raleigh and rallied in front of the Raleigh Convention Center, where feathered dancers put on what appears to be some sort of traditional Mexican performance.
The signs carried by the marchers reflected that many of the marchers were children or family members of illegal immigrants: "we speak for those who can't," "for my family who came with nothing and gave me everything" (translated from Spanish,) "my parents fought for my future, now I will fight for theirs," as well as a staple at these protests, "no one is illegal on stolen land."
A Day Without Immigrants
The second day of the week featured an attempted nationwide mass boycott/walkout to show the country what it would be like without immigrants working. I didn't particularly notice any interruption in commerce, but apparently at least one Mexican restaurant in Durham may have been closed for the day?
Very powerful.
Hispanics protest immigration enforcement in Sanford
Monday night also featured a rally of by Hispanics in Sanford; while the Mexican flag was still the most common being worn and waved, there was a significant selection of other Latin American flags represented, including Guatemala and Honduras.
The protest included demonstrators dancing in the street, and signs such as "We have to shout what your parents and mine keep quiet out of fear" (translated from Spanish.)
Anti-Trumpers protest Project 2025 in Raleigh
Thousands of protesters march around NC Capitol in Raleigh over Trump, Elon Musk actions - N&O
Group gathers in Raleigh to protest Trump, Project 2025 - Spectrum News
At least 1,000 descend on NC Capitol in protest of Trump administration in Raleigh - CBS17
Hundreds descend upon downtown Raleigh to protest Trump administration actions - ABC11
Raleigh protest focuses on resistance against Trump, Musk, Project 2025 - WRAL
Thousands protest Trump, Musk, and ‘Project 2025’ at N.C. State Capitol - NC Newsline
The third demonstration of the week on Wednesday was the largest, with an estimated attendance of over a thousand to protest "Project 2025," President Trump, and Elon Musk as part of a nationwide "50501" protest (50 protests/50 states/1 day.)
The demographics of the protest were significantly whiter and older than the demonstrations referenced above, although there was still a contingent of Mexican flaggers which seems to have been generally overlooked by the mainstream media coverage.
Signs included "Bad DOGE," "Make America Gay Again," "Stop the Musk coup," and the assassination referencing "Defend, Deny, Depose."
Trump admin deports Durham drug dealer previously allowed to remain in country after conviction
Durham green card holder detained by ICE, faces deportation on drug charges - WRAL
A green card holder residing in Durham who has been charged in at least six different cases in Durham and Orange counties over the past four years is finally being deported after Trump's inauguration has brought a new interest by the federal government in enforcing immigration laws.
When Zaryab Hassan was charged in Orange District Court in 2020 with in relation to marijuana possession, the case was dismissed by the district attorney in a COVID-19 mass dismissal.
Two years later, in 2022, Hassan was charged in Orange Superior Court in two cases including death by distribution and selling/delivering heroin, which resulted in a plea deal in which Hassan sentenced to 36 months probation.
Hassan was charged in three more cases over the past year, including felony probation violation and possession of a (stolen) firearm by a felon in Durham Superior Court, and, most recently, in Orange District Court with charges including felony possession of cocaine and identity theft. (These three cases remain open.)
Despite these repeated violations of the law, Hassan was allowed to retain his permanent residency until last week, after Trump's inauguration, when he showed up for a meeting with his probation officer and found four ICE agents waiting to detain him and begin the process of removing him from out country.
ICYMI: FBI raid in Chapel Hill neighborhood related to transgender cultists murder of border patrol agent in Vermont:
Controversial Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools superintendent leaving position at year end
Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools superintendent stepping down. Here’s where she’s going. - N&O
Dr. Nyah Hamlett she will be leaving superintendent of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school district at the end of the year to continue her DEI career as a chief equity and development officer at a Maryland school district.
In her farewell remarks, Hamlett cited her "unwavering commitment to prioritizing the well-being and success of my children and family" as the driving force in her decision to leave the district.
Hamlett's controversial four-year term as superintendent has included the revelation that she committed extensive plagiarism in her William & Mary doctoral dissertation, and an ongoing lawsuit alleging that she retaliated against a father and son who were critical of her COVID-19 policies and plagiarism:
Three arrested after "large fight" at East Wake School
Two men and juvenile in custody following fight after high school basketball game, deputies say - WRAL
Large fight leads to 3 arrests after East Wake High basketball game, sheriff says - ABC11
The Wake County Sheriff's Office used pepper spray to break up a "large fight" which broke out after a basketball game at East Wake High School, arresting two adults (18 and 19 years old) and one minor .
The two adults were charged with simple assault and simple affray in relation to the fight, while the juvenile was charged in relation to a firearm found inside a vehicle on campus:
Large fights at East Wake have previously made it into the news, including a cafeteria fight caught on camera in October 2023 which the Wake deputies also broke up using pepper spray, as well as two fights each involving multiple students in October and November 2022.
According to the 2023 school report card, East Wake had 15.5 arrests per 1000 students, as compared to only 0.49 arrests per 1000 students in the Wake County Public School System as a whole, and has consistently scored a "C" score performance grade.
East Wake students are 43% black, 36% Hispanic, and 16% white.