Approximately 150 students from Riverside Brookfield High School staged a walkout on March 6, 2026, to protest the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The demonstration unfolded as students marched from the school to the Eight Corners area of Brookfield, Illinois, with many carrying signs expressing their opposition to ICE’s policies.
As the students made their way along Washington Avenue, they drew the attention of passing motorists, who honked their horns in a show of support. The atmosphere intensified as the group reached the roundabout at Eight Corners. Student organizer Jazlyn Trujillo voiced the group’s sentiments, stating, “Little kids shouldn’t have to run away from ICE agents and fear for their parents to not come back home.” Jazlyn utilized a megaphone to encourage her peers throughout the march.
The protest emerged as a response to the Trump Administration’s policies regarding immigration. Jazlyn emphasized her motivation for organizing the event, saying, “I want people to know that I’m not okay with this, and I wanted to start this movement so people would know how corrupt the government is.”
Many participants echoed similar concerns. A student named Aiden, who preferred not to share his last name, explained, “It’s for my people. They say they want to take the criminals. Yeah, they are taking the criminals, but they are taking the innocent people too, people with lives and families.” He recounted a troubling incident where family members of a friend were apprehended by ICE agents while waiting to pick up their child from school.
Student Voices and Organizing Efforts
The protest was organized both through word of mouth and a dedicated Instagram account, highlighting the power of social media in mobilizing young activists. Another student, Angelica, shared that the initiative was sparked by Jazlyn’s distress over online reports about ICE’s actions. “The school was kind of shutting it down, making it seem like it was a terrible idea,” she added.
Despite potential repercussions outlined in a letter sent to parents and students earlier that month, many students chose to participate. The letter warned that students walking out could face unverified absences, be barred from making up tests, or risk losing final exam exemptions if they left during critical assessments. Dr. Hector Freytas, the school principal, could not be reached for comment, but students noted that he allowed them to make their own choice regarding participation.
Student Mariam Abdel-Havez reflected on the principal’s stance, saying, “He said anyone that walks through that door, you’re not going to be able to make up your assignments, you’re not going to be able to do your tests and quizzes. But at the end, he did say, if you’re going to go, go.”
Wider Impact and Community Response
The march aimed to raise awareness about the issues surrounding immigration enforcement and advocate for significant changes. Jazlyn articulated a broader vision, calling for the defunding of ICE and urging the government to address domestic issues rather than focusing on foreign conflicts. “There are still millions of homeless Americans, starving Americans, yet ICE has better living conditions than our homeless shelters,” she stated.
The protest garnered some attention from local law enforcement. The Brookfield Police Department had a presence at the march, with only one squad vehicle monitoring the demonstration. Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla was not available for comment, but the students remained organized and peaceful throughout the event.
Local resident Ana Alvarez-Lundvick, who attended the protest, shared her support for the students’ cause. She is working with local officials to promote an ordinance that would make Brookfield a welcoming city for all residents. Alvarez-Lundvick expressed concern about the potential consequences for seniors participating in the protest, stating, “I feel like if they worked hard for that [final exam exemption], they shouldn’t be punished for something that they worked hard to achieve.”
Through this walkout, the students of Riverside Brookfield High School demonstrated their commitment to advocating for justice and reform in immigration policies, reflecting a growing trend of youth activism across the nation.
