Hundreds of students across East Bay high schools staged mass walkouts in solidarity with immigrant rights groups, protesting federal immigration enforcement activities across the country.
At Acalanes High School in Lafayette, a large group of students marched from campus to the street at 2:30 pm, carrying signs that read "No ICE", "No human is illegal" and "Immigrants built this country". The students, many of whom are the children of undocumented immigrants themselves, aimed to show their solidarity with those affected by federal immigration enforcement activities.
"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 and against this authoritarianism," said Miles DeBoy, one of the student leaders who organized the event.
The student protests were not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader movement. Other high schools across the East Bay also staged walkouts, including in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Livermore, Pleasanton and Walnut Creek.
"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. "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 mass walkouts followed lunchtime student walkouts in other cities, including Orinda, Hayward and Fremont. In Oakland, students at Head Royce marched from their campus on Lincoln Avenue to Highway 13, where they held signs along the overpass.
For many students, it's not just about expressing solidarity but also about making their voices heard. "Especially because we can't vote, and generally don't have as much say as an adult does, we really just want them to feel our outrage," explained Acalanes sophomore Jayden Diprisco. "And to understand that we are the future of the world that they are creating right now. And we want to make sure that they know that we will not stand for this injustice."
The students' message was clear: they will no longer be silenced and will continue to speak out against what they see as an injustice.
At Acalanes High School in Lafayette, a large group of students marched from campus to the street at 2:30 pm, carrying signs that read "No ICE", "No human is illegal" and "Immigrants built this country". The students, many of whom are the children of undocumented immigrants themselves, aimed to show their solidarity with those affected by federal immigration enforcement activities.
"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 and against this authoritarianism," said Miles DeBoy, one of the student leaders who organized the event.
The student protests were not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader movement. Other high schools across the East Bay also staged walkouts, including in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Livermore, Pleasanton and Walnut Creek.
"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. "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 mass walkouts followed lunchtime student walkouts in other cities, including Orinda, Hayward and Fremont. In Oakland, students at Head Royce marched from their campus on Lincoln Avenue to Highway 13, where they held signs along the overpass.
For many students, it's not just about expressing solidarity but also about making their voices heard. "Especially because we can't vote, and generally don't have as much say as an adult does, we really just want them to feel our outrage," explained Acalanes sophomore Jayden Diprisco. "And to understand that we are the future of the world that they are creating right now. And we want to make sure that they know that we will not stand for this injustice."
The students' message was clear: they will no longer be silenced and will continue to speak out against what they see as an injustice.
Another bunch of walkouts in the East Bay, shows how some kids are fed up with all the drama 
, protesting federal immigration enforcement activities... sounds like more of the same old thing 
, just a bunch of signs saying "No ICE" and "Immigrants built this country"... yeah yeah, we get it 
. But honestly, I'm surprised they didn't get arrested for "disrupting the learning environment"... that's what happens when you speak out against injustice 
. And let's be real, most of these kids can't even vote yet... still making noise for a cause 
. It'll be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out 
.
. It shows they're not afraid to use their voices, even if it means walking out of class 
. As someone who's a bit older and has more freedom, it makes me proud to see younger people making such a big impact 
. They're saying that immigration is not just an issue for those being targeted, but also for the country as a whole 
. It's a reminder that we all have a role to play in shaping our communities and advocating for change 
. The fact that they're part of a bigger movement, with walkouts happening across the East Bay and other cities too, is really inspiring 
. It's not just about expressing solidarity, but also about making sure their voices are heard 
.
Those East Bay high school kids really know how to show some heart 
. I'm all for 'em standing up for immigrant rights, it's the least we can do 
. These students are not just fighting for their fellow immigrants, but also for themselves and their own futures - they're saying "enough is enough" 
. As Miles said, it's a matter of community and solidarity, and I think that's what's gonna make all the difference 
! i mean, i get it, its super frustrating that they can't even express their opinions freely without feeling threatened or silenced. but like, they're not just talking about themselves, they're talking about an entire community of people who are being targeted and oppressed by this whole immigration system. its crazy to think that our future leaders (aka them) are actually trying to make a difference right now.
these kids are speakin the truth, like, who's our future?!? 
we're the ones makin the moves in 10 yrs, and they're treatin us like we're invisible 
ICE is straight up wrong, and i love how these students are takin a stand for what's right 
it's time for these kids to step up & demand that their voices be heard, especially since they cant even vote yet 
its not just about them tho, its about the future of this country we r makin 
we gotta think about what kinda world we wanna live in & what kinda leaders we wanna have 
these students r showin us that even the youngest among us can make a difference when they speak out against injustice 
I'm so proud of these brave students for standing up for what's right! 
. I just saw this thread and it's amazing to see all these East Bay high schools coming together like that! I think it's super cool that students are using their voices to make a difference, especially since they can't vote yet. It's like, they're already making the world aware of what's going on, and that's something to be proud of 
. And Miles DeBoy's quote is so true - solidarity as a community and as a nation is everything right now. Can we get more of this kind of activism from younger generations? 
.