A Hillsboro high school student’s heartfelt speech before the City Council has captured national attention, sparking a wave of compassion and community action. Sixteen-year-old Manny Chavez’s emotional testimony about the fear and hardship caused by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has gone viral, leading him to launch a fundraiser for local families affected by immigration enforcement.
An Emotional Plea Heard Across the Nation
At a recent Hillsboro City Council meeting, Chavez stood before city leaders, visibly emotional, as he described the fear that grips many immigrant families in his community.
“They don’t care about us. They treat us like dogs, treat us like animals,” Chavez said through tears. “I shouldn’t live like this as a 16-year-old. I shouldn’t be scared. I should be focused on school — and I can’t even focus.”
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His words, spoken from the heart and without preparation, have now been viewed by millions online. In his testimony, Chavez described how ICE operations have deeply affected not only undocumented residents but also U.S.-born children in immigrant households.
“I’m scared that I’m never going to be able to see my friends again,” he said. “I’m scared that their parents are going to be gone one day. Even though some of us are citizens, they don’t care about us.”
From Tears to Action
Chavez said he had no script or plan for what he would say that night. What drove him was the need to speak out for his friends, his neighbors, and his culture.
“It’s not just about me,” he said. “Why I spoke is not just for me — it’s for my community, it’s for all people of color, it’s for my Hispanic culture.”
Following the viral moment, Chavez decided to turn his emotional words into concrete action. He launched a Hillsboro Immigration Support Fund, aimed at providing financial and legal assistance to families impacted by ICE raids in Washington County.
Fundraiser Gains Rapid Support
In just four days, Chavez’s online fundraiser nearly reached its $26,000 goal — a response that left him both stunned and grateful.
“To me, it’s really shocking,” he said. “I’ve never seen that type of money in my life. Knowing that so many people donated their hard-earned money to help others is just crazy to me.”
The donations will help families who have lost income or face legal costs due to sudden detentions and deportations. Chavez emphasized that for many, even small contributions can make a major difference — from paying for groceries to helping cover a parent’s legal defense.
“If I was in a situation where anyone in my family needed help, I would want people to come and help me,” he said. “So knowing that I can be there for someone else — I’m glad that I can help.”
A Teen Finding His Purpose
Chavez’s activism has not only uplifted his community but also helped him find a new sense of direction. The 16-year-old said that the experience has inspired him to consider advocacy and community organizing as a lifelong pursuit.
“I feel like this is something I want to do after school,” he said. “This feels like it was meant for me. I really do want to keep doing this.”
While most teens his age are focused on classes, sports, or social media, Chavez is working to make a real impact in the lives of vulnerable families. His courage has drawn praise from community leaders, educators, and supporters nationwide who see him as a powerful voice for empathy and change.
Plans Beyond Fundraising
Chavez’s work isn’t stopping with the support fund. He is now planning a Thanksgiving food drive to help local families struggling with food insecurity. The goal, he said, is to make sure no one in his community goes hungry — especially during the holidays.
He also hopes to use his growing platform to encourage other young people to speak up about the issues that matter to them.
“Even if you’re young, you can make a difference,” Chavez said. “I never thought people would listen to me — but they did.”
A Movement Rooted in Compassion
What began as an unplanned, emotional plea has grown into a grassroots movement led by a teenager determined to create change. Chavez’s story has become a reminder of the power of empathy — and how one voice, even a young one, can inspire thousands to act.
As Hillsboro residents and people across the country continue to share his testimony and contribute to his cause, Manny Chavez stands as a symbol of youthful courage and community strength. His journey shows that standing up for what’s right doesn’t always require a plan — just a heart willing to speak the truth.
