Editor’s note: All quotes have been kept anonymous in this story to prioritize the safety of participating students.
An estimated 500 students walked out of Lawrence High School on Tuesday, Jan. 27, to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations nationwide. LHS protesters were joined by local middle school students and members of the greater Lawrence community.
The walkout, held at both LHS and Free State, was organized through Instagram, and was scheduled to begin at 1:30. Students left their sixth hour classes to gather in the atrium and began walking.
As the LHS protesters reached the corner of Louisiana and 9th, they were joined by an estimated 200 local supporters, including KU students. LHS and Free State protesters received support from university student groups through a widely-shared Instagram post.
“Any demonstration is worthwhile, even if it’s imperfect or casual,” an LHS teacher said. “I think it’s really important to show that people have the issues on their mind.”
Along the walking route, students were met with honking and support from Lawrence community members. They led chants like “Education not deportation,” and “This is what democracy looks like.”
The protesters walked down 23rd Street and up Naismith Drive, holding signs that read, “Immigrant hands feed you, we are not criminals,” “We’re skipping our lessons to teach you one” and “Somewhere in an attic a little girl is writing about ICE.”
In the weeks leading up to the demonstration, ICE operations continued to spark national outrage. Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti were both shot and killed by ICE agents while protesting ICE’s presence in Minneapolis.
“They say that they want to deport illegal immigrants, but shooting white men with gun licenses is just disgusting,” an LHS student said, highlighting the difference. “There are children and people dying.”
Many students attended the walkout in solidarity with the national protests.
“I want to show my support for the people who are being mistreated by this terrorist organization,” an LHS student said. “I believe that this is history repeating itself.”
For some students, their protest was more personal.
“I’m here because my mother is an immigrant and I want to show support,” an LHS student said. “I have many friends who are undocumented and I would not like to see them treated as I have seen other people being treated.”
At the time of school release, 195 students and counting were excused to attend the protest. Students and staff showed their support through substantial numbers, spirited signs and demanding chants.
“Ice is f****** stupid, and it poses a threat to people I love,” an LHS student said.
