U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for protecting the U.S. from individuals who are breaking immigration laws. ICE is now being discussed in schools because students’ education is suffering due to some students being scared and distracted by family being separated.
ICE was created in 2003 and has over 20,000 law enforcement officers. Their mission is to enforce immigration laws to protect America. They currently operate under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Individuals who don’t have a legal status can be detained or deported.
Recently, students have decided to take action through student-led walkouts. Mustang Public Schools, Classen SAS, U.S. Grant High School, etc. have participated in ICE walkouts. Students who participated in these walkouts were given consequences if they violated school policies. Mustang suspended 122 students for unexcused absences. While some people support these ideas made by students, some question whether school is the right place to do this.
“They’re [protests] intended to be disruptive so that people will pay attention,” senior Averie Knapp said.
Student walkouts have taken place all over the U.S. Groups of students walk out of class to gather outside, holding signs and even chanting messages opposing ICE.
Students hope that by organizing and designing these protests, people will bring more awareness to immigrant communities. These protests are meant to support classmates and families who may be affected. They are worrying greatly about the impact ICE is doing on people they know personally.
These walkouts have had mixed reactions coming from schools and communities. Some schools appreciate and support saying that students are allowed to express their opinions, as long as it’s done peacefully. Other schools say that students leaving class causes disruptions and consequences given to those students include suspension and expulsion.
“There are other ways to express their views,” freshman Kamya Smith said.
On the other hand, Knapp said protests “create conversations about what’s happening and show people in the community how many students feel strongly about this issue.”
Communities say this is important to social change, as activism plays a good role in history. People believe that political opinions shouldn’t be argued during school hours, and students should take their attention back to their studies.
“It takes time out of the school for learning,” Smith said.
All across the country, people still debate whether ICE is protecting the U.S. Student walkouts have highlighted how young people are now becoming involved in issues around the country. Even though students know the consequences of participating in this, they still use their voices and fight for their community.
“I would love for public officials to acknowledge these walkout protests and take them into consideration,” Knapp said.
