In a powerful display of youth activism, thousands of high school students across the United States have been participating in school walkouts over the past six months to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These demonstrations, which have taken place from Texas to Maryland and beyond, highlight growing concerns among teenagers about immigration policies and community safety.
Student Voices Take Centre Stage in Immigration Debate
The Guardian recently spoke with seven teenagers who have led or participated in these walkouts, revealing a generation determined to make their voices heard despite potential risks. Many organisers emphasised that their activism extends beyond simply leaving classrooms, encompassing activities such as monitoring social media for suspected ICE sightings, distributing "know your rights" materials, and creating political posters.
Facing Conservative Backlash and School Disciplinary Threats
While some educational institutions have supported these protests, others have threatened disciplinary action against participating students. Several schools have adopted neutral positions, fearing unwanted attention that could endanger vulnerable immigrant pupils. This varied response underscores the complex landscape these young activists navigate.
Nathalie, a 17-year-old organiser from Wisconsin whose family requested anonymity for safety reasons, planned their school's walkout on 30 January. Before the event, Nathalie sent an email to teachers stating that while educators were welcome to join, students were not seeking permission to protest.
Personal Stories Behind the Protest Signs
Lark Jeffers (16) and Kiran Almazor (16), who participated in a Free America walkout in Silver Spring, Maryland, explained their motivations. "This was our way to make our voices heard," said Lark. "At the end of the day, we're 16 – what we say isn't going to make lawmakers listen to us."
Kiran, whose school has a majority Hispanic population, noted: "Those are the people who are racially profiled by ICE, so it's this huge fear." He added that while his Ethiopian immigrant family enjoys some privilege, he protests for those without such protection.
In The Woodlands, Texas, 17-year-old Henders Aponte joined his high school's walkout despite the area's conservative leanings. "This is a really Republican area, so my school's really Republican and conservative," he observed, mentioning book bans and community fear-mongering. "But today, our student body demonstrated its commitment to social justice."
Connecting Personal Experiences to Political Action
Nathalie, who led a multischool walkout in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, began their speech by naming victims killed by federal agents in January. "Hearing the names out loud just really makes you realize how many people that is in such a short span of time," they said. With an immigrant father who fits racial profiling criteria, Nathalie emphasised: "That blood is still in me."
In Los Angeles, 17-year-old Samiya Portugal described the frightening impact of government social media posts about deportation. "Kids in high school are understanding what their rights are," she said. "Then to go online and see that even citizens are having those violated is what's making it such an issue."
New York City Students Highlight Immigrant Contributions
Arianna Collado and Rhy Serrano, both 17, participated in their New York City high school walkout. Arianna, who lives with her immigrant grandmother, stated: "Immigrants contribute so much to this country that people fail to realize." She described New York as "a city built by immigrants, for immigrants" where different neighbourhoods represent diverse immigrant communities.
Rhy addressed the educational aspect, criticising states like Texas and Florida for removing important immigrant history from curricula. "Be involved and don't be afraid to protest," she urged. "One suspension is not that deep if you are standing up for people you care about."
Overcoming Fear Through Collective Action
Despite widespread anxiety about ICE activities, these students remain resolute. Arianna confessed: "I feel scared every day. I go to sleep and I have nightmares about it." But she reframes this fear as bravery, declaring: "I'd rather be brave than scared."
Lark Jeffers offered similar encouragement: "You can't let these feelings of hopelessness and despair take over. You have to remain involved. And if even we can do it, so can you."
As these walkouts continue to spread across American schools, they represent a significant youth-led movement challenging immigration enforcement practices and advocating for community protection, demonstrating that teenage activists are increasingly unwilling to remain silent on issues affecting their families and neighbours.
