Hundreds of East Bay high school students staged a massive walkout protest against federal immigration enforcement activities, calling out the authorities for their actions that affect local families and students alike.
At Acalanes High School in Lafayette, around 300 students walked out of class at 2:30 pm to march to the streets, carrying signs that read 'No ICE', 'No human is illegal', and 'Immigrants built this country'. The protest was organized by a group of student leaders who believe it's essential to show solidarity with communities affected by immigration policies.
"I think it's incredibly important in a time like now, to show our solidarity as a community, as a nation, for the people affected," said Miles DeBoy, one of the student leaders. "And against this authoritarianism."
The students chanted slogans and expressed their discontent with ICE enforcement activities, which they believe are unjust and threaten their families' well-being.
"We don't think we will see an executive order to disassemble ICE just from this protest," DeBoy added. "But I think it does show that schools across the Bay care. And that we are standing together against this threat."
The student walkout was part of a larger movement, with similar protests taking place at other East Bay high schools in cities such as Concord, Pleasant Hill, Livermore, and Walnut Creek.
Students from these schools claimed they organized the events to voice their concerns and show support for immigrant families who face threats from ICE enforcement. Many students said they were motivated by the fear of being separated from their loved ones due to immigration policies.
"I feel like I've joined a long history of students who have made their voices heard, even before they were able to vote," said Evelyn Hollenberg, a sophomore at Acalanes High School. "I do think it's an important conversation for students to have, and for this to not just be a one-time thing, but something we continue to do until ICE is gone."
The protest was seen as a powerful statement of defiance against immigration policies that affect the lives of many students and families in the Bay Area.
At Acalanes High School in Lafayette, around 300 students walked out of class at 2:30 pm to march to the streets, carrying signs that read 'No ICE', 'No human is illegal', and 'Immigrants built this country'. The protest was organized by a group of student leaders who believe it's essential to show solidarity with communities affected by immigration policies.
"I think it's incredibly important in a time like now, to show our solidarity as a community, as a nation, for the people affected," said Miles DeBoy, one of the student leaders. "And against this authoritarianism."
The students chanted slogans and expressed their discontent with ICE enforcement activities, which they believe are unjust and threaten their families' well-being.
"We don't think we will see an executive order to disassemble ICE just from this protest," DeBoy added. "But I think it does show that schools across the Bay care. And that we are standing together against this threat."
The student walkout was part of a larger movement, with similar protests taking place at other East Bay high schools in cities such as Concord, Pleasant Hill, Livermore, and Walnut Creek.
Students from these schools claimed they organized the events to voice their concerns and show support for immigrant families who face threats from ICE enforcement. Many students said they were motivated by the fear of being separated from their loved ones due to immigration policies.
"I feel like I've joined a long history of students who have made their voices heard, even before they were able to vote," said Evelyn Hollenberg, a sophomore at Acalanes High School. "I do think it's an important conversation for students to have, and for this to not just be a one-time thing, but something we continue to do until ICE is gone."
The protest was seen as a powerful statement of defiance against immigration policies that affect the lives of many students and families in the Bay Area.
I mean, on one hand, it's awesome that these kids are standing up for their fellow community members who might be affected by ICE enforcement 
. Like, solidarity is super important right now. But at the same time, aren't they worried about getting in trouble with their parents or getting held back a grade because of skipping class? 
I guess it's all about balance and knowing when to take a stand... but I'm not really sure if this is the best approach either way... 
their families' well-being is at stake and they're not going to let ICE just sweep them away 
it's so important for young people to make their voices heard, especially when it comes to issues that affect their own lives. these students are basically saying "no more, we won't be silenced" 
i love how they're drawing inspiration from the history of student activism - it's a powerful legacy to carry on 
they're literally showing up for their communities and standing up against ICE enforcement - noice! i feel like they're being super brave for speaking out about something that affects them so much 
as a student myself, it makes me wanna get involved and make some noise too 
The East Bay high school students' walkout protest is a manifestation of their agency and desire for social change. By mobilizing on a large scale, they are exercising their right to free speech and assembling peacefully, which is a cornerstone of American democracy 
. Their demands for an end to federal immigration enforcement activities are rooted in empathy and a commitment to justice, recognizing that the actions of one group have far-reaching consequences for entire families 
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it's amazing how one group of young people can make such a big impact 
and i love that they're using their voices to support immigrant families who are being affected 
. 300 students just walked out of class to make a point about ICE? Can't they just start their own petition or something like normal people? 
Anyway, I guess it's cool that the kids are standing up for themselves and their families, but can we please get some updates on the actual progress being made by these student leaders? 
They're all like "We care, we're standing together" but what's the end goal here? 
2day 2 protest against federal immigration enforcement activities? 
. I love how they're showing solidarity with immigrant families who are being threatened by ICE enforcement... it's about time we stood together against these policies! 
. As Miles said, "We need to show our voices as a community" 
, and I think that's exactly what they did today. The more we speak out, the closer we get to making real change 
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. On one hand, I'm super proud of these students for taking a stand and using their voice to demand change 
. I'm loving how organized they were, with signs and slogans that straight-up say it all 
. It's awesome to see students taking a stand for what's right, even if it means going up against the system 
– it's all about supporting each other & standing together against injustice 
! This is exactly what needs to happen more often – students taking charge and making their voices heard 
. Like, Evelyn said she feels like she's joined a long line of students who've made their voices heard 
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. I mean, I get that it's a valid concern, but isn't this just going to be swept under the rug or ignored? It's not like they're really going to make ICE disappear with a bunch of high schoolers holding signs 
It feels like we're getting lost in all these protests and not really making any real change.
it's like they're literally carrying the future on their shoulders, and it breaks my heart to see them having to deal with this kind of uncertainty... but at the same time i'm so proud of them for taking a stand against injustice 
, i mean, who needs a 400 page reform bill when you've got 300+ students marching in solidarity 
theyre not lettin ICE get away w/ all dis authoritarianism & puttin families through hell 
! they're not afraid to stand up for what's right, even if it means going against the system. i love how they're using their voices to show solidarity with immigrant families who are being affected by these harsh policies 