The University of Missouri’s Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter held a protest on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. to protest federal overreach in Columbia.

“I hope (city officials) take away that with all the things that have been going on, with Mun Choi’s encroachment into the political sphere, that we are not just going to sit back and let it happen,” said Natalie Hosto, Stand Up 4 Students co-chair. “It isn’t something that can just go under quietly and they can just fulfill their agenda without any pushback.”

The group of over 50 protestors began at Speakers Circle before marching to City Hall.

YDSA’s main demand was for the city to stop sharing surveillance data with federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They also called for the Flock Safety surveillance systems to be shut down.

Specifically, organizers took issue with “Operation Brightside,” a November mission in collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to identify violent offenders in Columbia. Agencies involved in the coalition included the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, the investigative branch of ICE. The initiative resulted in 33 arrests,32 on felony charges, as well as 19 federal indictments, 21 felony state warrants and six residential search warrants.

YDSA claimed in a press release that the operation resulted in an influx of Flock requests.

“This operation lays the groundwork for ICE intervention in Columbia, and allowing DHS to use our city’s resources is an open invitation,” protest organizer Izn Hasan said in a press release prior to the event. “We oppose Mike Kehoe and Mun Choi using this false narrative of widespread violent crime to facilitate the entry of ICE into Columbia.”

Another key demand of the group was for crime policies to be directed by elected city officials rather than state or state-appointed officials. The protest comes shortly after UM System President Mun Choi met with Gov. Mike Kehoe to discuss combating crime in Columbia, excluding city leaders from the meeting.

“The fact that Mun Choi, someone who’s not even an elected official in our offices, knows about all of the happenings in Columbia before our city council is honestly appalling,” Hosto said.

University spokesperson Christopher Ave made a statement emphasizing the university’s commitment to safety, which stated in part, “The University of Missouri is an integral part of Columbia and Boone County. The success of the university and its students depend on Columbia being safe and welcoming. Reducing crime is a responsibility shared by all who call Columbia home … We must work together to support initiatives aimed at making Columbia a safe place to live and learn, including investing in local law enforcement, improving lighting and implementing safety ordinances.”

Mizzou College Republicans posted a statement on Thursday condemning protestors.

“In light of the leftist protest against federal agents in Columbia, the Mizzou College Republicans would like to issue a statement of support for UM President Choi, Governor Kehoe, and our brave law enforcement,” the statement said. “We wholeheartedly welcome ICE, the FBI, and any other federal law enforcement that comes to Columbia to ensure our safety and the rule of law.”

Looking forward, YDSA representatives want city officials to keep Homeland Security and ICE out of Columbia.

“My worries going forward are that there will be collaboration between the state and Mun Choi on separate issues, whether it be ICE raids in the future or any other issue that will hurt the university students,” YDSA speaker Cruz Lewis said.

Edited by Erin Hynes | [email protected]
Copy edited by Avery Copeland | [email protected]
Edited by Chase Pray | [email protected]