Thousands of middle and high school students across America are abandoning classrooms in coordinated protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, following fatal shootings of two demonstrators in Minneapolis.

Nationwide Student Movement Gains Momentum

The protests began with a January 30 “National Shutdown” that asked Americans to skip school, avoid work, and boycott shopping. Students organized the event after federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti and Renee Good during demonstrations in Minneapolis. The movement has continued beyond the initial shutdown day, with new walkouts occurring weekly across multiple states, including Florida, Colorado, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Arizona.

Student organizer Emma-Louise Akinleye expressed confidence about their impact, stating they feel powerful and believe their voices matter. In Florida, nearly 100 Lincoln High School students braved unusual cold weather to march off campus. Mara Stopyak, another student organizer, told local media that hatred in school halls is loud, but students want to be louder in advocating for peace and equality.

Schools Respond to Mass Participation

Student participation has reached significant levels in several districts. At Colorado’s Lesher Middle School, nearly half of the 766 enrolled students participated in walkouts. Several Denver-area school districts closed or modified schedules to accommodate large student demonstrations, with thousands marching to the state capitol. In Port Orange, Florida, approximately 100 Atlantic High School students skipped afternoon classes despite threats of disciplinary action from school officials.

Constitutional Questions and Broader Implications

The student-led movement raises questions about First Amendment rights in educational settings and the balance between immigration enforcement and public safety. Eighteen-year-old James Frazier from Nevada expressed frustration with current events, citing concerns about federal spending and what he described as situations spiraling out of control. The protests have extended beyond traditional liberal strongholds, with participation reported in suburban and traditionally conservative areas, suggesting broader concerns about federal immigration policies and their implementation methods.