A walkout at Plant High School to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took place on Feb. 6. The walkout intended to highlight student concerns surrounding immigration enforcement and its impact on communities.
“I think the unjustified murder of multiple people over the last year is absolutely disgusting and vile, and our administration should be ashamed of what they’re doing.” Alexander Scarberry (10) says, “While the protest could’ve been stronger, our school is full of Trump supporters, and I saw a few people holding Trump flags during this protest. I’m very glad that some people still had the courage to get together and actually protest for something meaningful. Even though the school and the district were censoring us by giving punishments for protesting.”
The protest occurred during 7th and 8th period, when groups of students left their classes and gathered outside the school. Participants intended for the walkout to raise awareness of immigration issues and to show support for students and families who may be affected by ICE policies. Students held signs and remained outside the school for over an hour, participating in protest chants.
“The walkout was meant to bring attention to an issue that affects so many people.” Brooke Thomas (10) says, “It wasn’t about disrupting class or causing issues; it was about standing up for what I believe is right. I truly believe ICE is abusing its power, and nobody should be treated that way. So, I’m doing whatever I can.”
School administrators warned students who participate in sports teams that if they join the protest, they will be suspended from the team. Also, any student who actively skips their 8th period would receive a referral and other possible forms of punishment.
“I think the ICE walkout was a good way for teens to experience political protests and for them to express how they feel.” Keila Varn-Ritch (10) says, “My stepmom lives in Minnesota, and everything going on right now definitely needs to be addressed, no matter the messenger.”
Student walkouts related to political and social issues have become more common nationwide in recent years. Schools across the country have seen similar protests addressing ICE in their communities.
“Not everyone agreed with the walkout, but the goal was still to make sure voices were heard respectfully.” Alexander Labombard (10) says, “I know a lot of people skipped school because they or their parents didn’t want them to be involved in it. But it was mostly meant to support classmates and families and spread awareness.”
Students at Plant High School showed concerned about reports of aggressive ICE actions and how immigration policies affect families and communities. The protest was intended to raise awareness and show that every voice counts rather than directly targeting the school itself.
The ICE walkout at Plant occurred exactly a week after schools nationwide participated in a walkout protesting ICE’s presence in society. In the protest at Plant, both students supporting the walkout, such as Scarberry and Varn-Ritch, and students not supporting the walkout, were also able to express their views on the matter.
“I thought it was pretty silly that there was a protest with only 20 people.” Cabel Clark (10) says, “I didn’t support that side because first, Trump was definitely not going to do anything to change the law over 20 high schoolers. Also, deportation isn’t a right-wing thing; it’s a general thing. Obama also did it. Police officers also make mistakes, like ICE, it’s just only controversial because it’s ICE.”
ICE PROTEST by Circles by Galia