Los Angeles students plan walkouts to protest ICE enforcement

On Monday, Nov. 16, students across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley will participate in walkouts to protest aggressive immigration enforcement actions in their communities.

Students will gather outside Los Angeles City Hall between 11:30 a.m. and noon for a peaceful demonstration. 

The South Central Community group said this is an important moment for students to raise their voices and speak out about the impact Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have had on their loved ones and neighbors.

“Families are being separated, parents are afraid to go to work, and children are growing up with uncertainty and fear. These are realities affecting our friends, classmates, neighbors, and families,” the group said.

More than 100 schools are expected to participate in the walkouts. This wouldn't be the first time students across Los Angeles stand together in solidarity. Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has followed through on its promises to expand immigration enforcement operations.

Over the past two years, students have repeatedly organized and participated in demonstrations to voice their concerns and highlight how these actions have deeply affected their families and communities.

Valley Defensa, a group of volunteers that reports immigration activity, also shared that they are standing with local businesses in the Valley and students who are preparing to walk out on Monday.

“Right now, immigration raids have hit our area very hard. Our neighborhood, the streets, the businesses, have been left deserted. Why? Because people don’t want to come here. They don’t want to go out. They are afraid and that is not right. It’s a very negative thing for our city,” said a community member of the Valley. “That is why I support what the young people are doing.”

Organizations helping organize the peaceful protest are asking students who are considering participating to wear all-white shirts during the walkout to represent peace, unity, hope and solidarity.

“Our message is simple: families deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to live without fear,” said Jared, a member of the South Central Community group. “We hope community members and decision-makers listen to those affected and understand that this is an issue that impacts all of us.”