Students across San Antonio, Texas, walked out of classes Friday to demonstrate against recent actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The coordinated protests, involving at least 10 high schools, follow similar demonstrations held at other schools over the past two weeks, signaling a growing wave of student activism.
Student-Led Demonstrations
At O’Connor High School on the city’s Far North West Side, at least 100 students participated in the walkout. Eighteen-year-old Allianna Capraro expressed relief at the strong turnout, noting the visible support from passing drivers and the presence of Northside ISD and Helotes police officers monitoring the demonstration.
The students marched from the school’s band parking lot along Bandera Road, continuing past Helotes City Hall. Participants carried signs with messages such as “No human being is illegal” and “Skipping lessons to teach one,” with some also displaying Mexican flags. Fifteen-year-old Ollie Dominguez brought a trumpet to add to the demonstration.
Motivations for Protest
The protests were fueled by a number of recent events. Ollie Dominguez stated the walkout was a response to what they described as ICE agents “killing people,” and the disruption of families. Capraro cited the deaths of Renee Macklin Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota as key motivators, expressing concern over reports of individuals disappearing without a trace and alleged killings by ICE agents.
The detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos in nearby Dilley, Texas, also served as a catalyst for the protests. Images of Ramos, including a photo of him wearing a bunny hat and Spiderman backpack, gained national attention and sparked further demonstrations this week.
School District Response
Northside ISD spokesman Barry Perez stated that campus principals had proactively communicated with families about potential protests in the weeks leading up to the events. While the district does not prevent students from exercising their right to protest, it does not endorse or sponsor these events. Perez emphasized student safety as the district’s primary concern, particularly for those leaving campus grounds. Students participating in the walkouts are marked absent, but face no further disciplinary action unless they disrupt classes or impede traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted these student walkouts?
The walkouts were prompted by recent actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including the detention of Liam Conejo Ramos and concerns over reported deaths and disappearances linked to ICE activity.
How did the school district respond to the protests?
Northside ISD stated they do not prevent students from protesting but do not endorse the events. They prioritize student safety and mark students absent for participating, but do not impose further consequences unless there is disruption.
What messages were students conveying during the walkouts?
Students carried signs with messages such as “No human being is illegal” and “Skipping lessons to teach one,” and voiced concerns about families being separated and individuals being harmed by ICE agents.
As these demonstrations continue, it remains to be seen whether they will lead to further dialogue or policy changes regarding ICE practices. It is also possible that the protests could inspire similar actions in other communities, or that student activism will continue to grow in the coming weeks and months.
