San Fernando Valley high school students lead walkout and protest against ICE raids

On Friday, February 28, San Fernando Valley students from various local schools staged a walkout in protest against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The walkout, organized by student groups, highlighted the growing unrest over ICE’s increasing presence and detention practices.

The protest, which took place during school hours, was a statement from students who refused to stay silent in the face of what they describe as unjust and cruel immigration enforcement policies. Dozens of students took to the streets holding signs and chanting slogans in solidarity with immigrant communities impacted by ICE raids.

One of the key organizers from Valor Academy High School, 16-year-old Jaslyn Galdamez, said she was inspired by the history of student walkouts that have had progressive social impact. “I was nervous organizing the first one, thinking like no one was gonna follow me,” said Galdamez. “But at the end of the day, I realized, like, it doesn't matter how many people come with me, it matters what we're advocating for what we're protesting for."

One of the key messages from the student protestors was a call for local leaders, especially those in the Los Angeles City Council, to take action. The protestors gathered at Van Nuys City Hall to speak out about their concerns. Galdamez told CALÓ News that youth are calling on elected officials to advocate for stronger sanctuary laws and federal immigration reform.

"We need stronger protections against unjust deportations," says Galdamez, "We need public spaces like schools, churches and hospitals to be ICE-free zones."

In addition to the students, the protest saw support from educators and school faculty. Several voiced their commitment to the cause, offering resources and mobilizing students to take part in peaceful demonstrations. 

The event drew large crowds, all determined to speak out for those who have been silenced by fear or detention. Some students, like 16-year-old Joshua Morales, initially hesitated to participate but ultimately felt the cause was too important to pass up. “When I heard about the ICE raids happening in Kern County, it really hit me,” said Morales, whose cousins and aunt live in Bakersfield. “I don’t want them growing up with the trauma of seeing their mom taken away. It’s just... really painful.”

Morales emerged as a key leader during the recent student walkout, guiding the crowd and ensuring they followed the organizers' protocols while also helping to de-escalate potential tensions. He also helped with reaching out to students from other schools who were interested in participating in the protest.

Others contributed by delivering speeches during the rally segment of the march, including 17-year-old Steven Rangel, who paid tribute to the late Martin Luther King Jr. in his address.He described King as a figure who embodied the values they are fighting for. "He [King] was someone who truly cared for everyone, regardless of their color, race or background," Rangel said.

During his speech, Rangel quoted King, saying, “If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl. Whatever you do, don’t stop moving.” He emphasized that for many immigrants, the struggle for justice and equality can feel like an uphill battle, but the fight must continue, no matter the obstacles.

Friday’s walkout marked a pivotal moment for the San Fernando Valley’s young activists and signaled that the fight for immigrant rights is far from over. The event served as a powerful reminder that, despite the ongoing challenges presented by the Trump administration, young people are determined to organize for a better future. 

"I have privilege, but I don't let it blur my empathy.” says Galdamez “I have a voice, and I have my rights, and that's why I'm using [them] to speak out."