I.C.E. Out
February 24, 2026 2026-03-06 11:36I.C.E. Out
The anti-ICE walkout
Students at Deerfield Beach High School left class the morning of Monday, February 9th, 2025, in a walkout to protest recent actions by U.S. immigration authorities and call for change in how immigrants are treated. The demonstration drew dozens of students and sparked conversations about activism, school policy, and student voice.
Shortly after classes began, students started walking out of classrooms and onto nearby streets, marching together and chanting as they made their way down Northeast 48th street. The protest was peaceful but loud, with participants holding signs and speaking with passing cars and community members.
“I wanted to join the walkout because it was a way to speak about how we felt about innocent people being treated unfairly,” said Olivia Hassen, a freshman at Deerfield Beach High School.
Students involved said the walkout was inspired by organized protests at other Broward County Schools over the weekend, where young people expressed frustration with immigration enforcement policies nationwide. Many participants said they came prepared with signs and chants to make sure their message was visible.
“I hope this walkout shows people how messed up the world really is,” says Eileen Rios, a freshman at DBHS. “Even teenagers must skip lessons to teach some uneducated adults a lesson about injustice,” Rios added.
Administrators at Deerfield Beach High acknowledged the walkout before and after it happened but emphasized that school safety and order remain top priorities. a spokesperson for the school declined detailed comment, but district officials reminded students of the importance of following the Broward County Student Code of Conduct, which outlines expectations and potential consequences for leaving campus or disrupting instructional time without authorization.
Some students said they were concerned about possible disciplinary action, given district policy. Others said Administrators were mostly hands‑off during the march and focused on keeping students safe rather than stopping the protest.
For many participants, the walkout was as much about solidarity as it was about policy. “I want people to know we care about human rights,” another student said, who asked to remain anonymous. “We’re here because this matters to us.”
Community members who saw the march from the street offered mixed reactions. Some honked in support, while others expressed concern about students being out of class. Some nearby residents thanked the students for being active and aware of national issues, saying it was inspiring to see young people engaged in civic life.
As the crowd dispersed and students returned to class, many said they hoped the momentum would continue with more conversations, both in hallways and classrooms, about how local youth can influence social issues.
