LAWRENCE — Honking horns, blowing whistles and chanting “ICE out,” hundreds of high school students walked out of class Tuesday afternoon protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, alongside Lawrence residents and middle school and university students.
The protest was organized by Lawrence High School sophomore Lillian Goombi, with groups including the Sanctuary Alliance and the Kansas Students for Justice in Palestine participating. Both organizationscalled upon Lawrence citizens and University of Kansas students and faculty to join high schoolers in the walkout.
Students participated in protests at both Lawrence High and Free State High School.
For first-generation student Angelo Reyna, the walkout was for those who can’t speak out due to immigration status or fear, he said.
“I’m here because my mom is an immigrant,” Reyna said. “What’s happening on the streets of Minnesota is terrible. I’m here to show my solidarity that I disagree with everything that is happening. I use my voice because there are undocumented immigrants who cannot use their voice. I’m very proud I can use mine.”
Freshman Elaina Pollard said she was proud of both high school and middle school students who walked out of class.
“Not enough people are standing up for this,” Pollard said. “What’s happening in Minnesota is heartbreaking and horrible. It needs to stop. I’m proud of everyone who’s out here in the cold and I’m glad to see so many protesters and KU students with us.”
Middle school students from both Liberty Memorial Central Middle School and Billy Mills Middle School walked to Lawrence High, which is roughly a mile from either building. They held up signs with phrases such as “abolish ICE” and “don’t be an ICE-hole.”
Lawrence Public Schools Superintendent Jeanice Swift released a statement Monday afternoon before the walkout. Swift said the district supports students’ right to protest but that the district remains “viewpoint neutral” on student speech.
Lawrence High Schools principal Quentin Rials did not respond for comment at the time of publishing.
Many non-student attendees are regulars at the weekly Sunday protests on Massachusetts Street against the Trump administration as well as ICE. Protesters say they were impressed with the number of students who participated.
Erika Earles, who graduated from Lawrence High in 1995, said she was proud of current students carrying on the long history of students standing up for their rights, referencing how the Lawrence High School Black Student Union helped integrate the town in the sixties.
“It’s horrifying what our federal government is doing right now, and I wanted to come out and support the kids at LHS standing up for what’s right,” Earles said.