US High School Students Lead Walkouts Against ICE, Defying Fear and Authority
In a powerful display of youth activism, thousands of high school students across the United States have been staging walkouts over the past six months to protest the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in their communities. These demonstrations have seen varied responses from educational institutions, with some schools offering support, others threatening disciplinary action, and many remaining neutral to protect vulnerable immigrant students.
The Guardian interviewed seven teenagers who have spearheaded or participated in these protests. Their efforts extend beyond simply leaving classrooms, encompassing activities such as monitoring social media for suspected ICE sightings, distributing "know your rights" materials, and creating political posters. Despite potential risks and lack of adult backing, these students remain unwavering in their commitment to protest ICE.
Voices from the Frontlines: Students Share Their Stories
Lark Jeffers (16) and Kiran Almazor (16) participated in the Free America walkout on January 20 in Silver Spring, Maryland. Lark emphasized the importance of making their voices heard, noting that as 16-year-olds, their words might not sway lawmakers directly. Kiran highlighted the fear within his majority-Hispanic school, where many face racial profiling by ICE. He stressed that his activism extends beyond his own family, focusing on those without privilege who are losing their lives.
Lark added, "You have to care for your community, you have to look out for your friends, your family, your found family. All of it is so important. Even though by protesting and talking about this, you are putting your heart out there, you are allowing it to get beat up and you’re allowing your feelings to get hurt, 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."
Henders Aponte (17) joined his high school walkout on February 6 in The Woodlands, Texas, a conservative area where the school board has banned numerous books. He explained the significance of expressing dissent in a community rife with fear-mongering, recalling how ESL students were terrified during Trump's presidential campaign. Despite local support for ICE, Aponte praised his student body for demonstrating a commitment to social justice and rejecting violence.
Nathalie (17) led a multischool walkout on January 30 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, starting their speech by naming victims killed by federal agents. They spoke passionately about the dehumanization of immigrants and the dangers faced by families, including using siblings as bait. With a father who fits a racial profile targeted by ICE, Nathalie connected personally with protesters, emphasizing the emotional toll of these realities.
Samiya Portugal (17) organized her high school's walkout on January 30 in Los Angeles, criticizing the White House's use of social media to post content like "deportation ASMR" and ads from officials threatening immigrants. She noted that students learning about their rights in history classes are alarmed to see those rights violated online, urging more people to stand up safely for this noble cause.
Arianna Collado (17) and Rhy Serrano (17) participated in a New York City walkout on January 30. Arianna, inspired by her immigrant grandmother, highlighted the cultural contributions of immigrants to the city, describing New York as built by and for immigrants. She admitted to daily fears but chose bravery over fear. Rhy shared how fear motivates her involvement, citing her young cousins' anxieties about deportation and criticizing the erosion of freedom. Both stressed the importance of education and bravery in protesting, with Arianna concluding, "Home of the brave."
A Growing Movement with Deep Roots
These walkouts reflect a broader trend of student activism in the US, driven by personal connections to immigration issues and a desire to protect communities. From Texas to Maryland, students are challenging authority and societal norms, often in the face of conservative opposition. Their actions underscore a generational shift towards engagement and resistance, with teens leveraging social media and grassroots organizing to amplify their message.
As the protests continue, these high schoolers demonstrate that age is no barrier to advocacy, inspiring others to join the fight against ICE and for immigrant rights. Their stories reveal a blend of courage, fear, and unwavering determination to create change, proving that even in divisive times, youth voices can lead the charge for justice and equality.
