UPDATE: Student-led walkouts are escalating across the United States as thousands mobilize against ICE’s aggressive immigration policies. Just today, students at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, Georgia, joined the movement, echoing calls for the abolition of ICE amid growing fears in their communities.
In a wave of protests that began last month, students from various states including Indiana, Maryland, Utah, and Texas have walked out of classrooms, staged sit-ins, and taken to the streets to demand an end to federal immigration enforcement in their cities. Their actions highlight the urgent connection between ICE raids and their right to education. A student from Seattle stated, “It’s the threat and the fear of intimidation while you’re trying to pursue your education, which to me, is really horrible.”
On January 30, 2026, tens of thousands of students participated in nationwide walkouts, demanding an end to ICE activities in schools. This surge in activism follows a period of inaction by unions, signaling a grassroots movement gaining momentum across both red and blue states.
Students at institutions like the University of Minnesota and Carnegie Mellon University have also taken a stand, holding rallies and walkouts that emphasize their determination. “The Twin Cities belong to us. It doesn’t belong to them,” declared a University of Minnesota student, highlighting the sense of community and resilience that is driving these protests.
These actions are not just isolated incidents; they are part of a broader rejection of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Reports confirm that ICE raids have deeply affected communities across the U.S., prompting responses that include protests, business closures, and mutual aid networks to protect vulnerable neighbors.
Notably, the pressure from these protests has prompted some concessions, with reports indicating a partial retreat from the Trump administration, including the withdrawal of 700 ICE agents from Minneapolis and the recall of Customs and Border Protection head Greg Bovino.
The urgency of this movement cannot be overstated. As students continue to organize, there is a pressing need for collaboration between student and labor movements. Educators and unions must unite to shield students from ICE raids, drawing lessons from Minneapolis teachers who have implemented community support initiatives such as food drop-offs for families in need.
The time is critical for a nationwide general strike, as student walkouts represent a powerful call for collective action. With the growing intensity of these protests, there’s an opportunity for students and workers to join forces, making a clear demand: ICE Out! The momentum is building, and individuals across the country are urged to join this vital fight for immigrant rights.
As the situation develops, more student-led protests are expected. Communities are watching closely, and the power of organized youth could reshape the landscape of this ongoing struggle. Share this urgent call to action and support the movement against ICE.
