High school students from all over the United States left their classrooms to participate in the “Ice Out” school walkout on Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. The demonstration was a result of the crackdown on immigration in Minneapolis, and the killing of Alex Pretti by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Many students from across the Sacramento region, including students at Granite Bay High School, joined regional rallies.

The walkout followed heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices and subsequent killings; it was organized to condemn policies associated with President Donald Trump’s administration. While some GBHS students left school grounds early to attend the demonstration at the California Capitol, others walked out at the scheduled time. In accordance with Senate Bill 955, students were eligible for an excused absence as the walkout was considered an act of civil and political discourse.

“I think it’s corrupt and awful, and every day [the state of the immigration system] grows worse… so the younger people who are [going to] inherit the world need to do something about it now. Now or never,” said an anonymous GBHS student who walked out at 2 p.m.

Traditionally, mass walkouts (such as the ones in 2018 regarding gun violence) aim to bring national attention to a central issue. By demonstrating collective interest in a topic, the voices of “the people” are able to be amplified.

“I think it will say something. I’m hoping it will get people to reflect about who is getting affected by this, and possibly some politicians taking notice and taking more action,” said an anonymous GBHS student who protested Friday.

Beyond that, many teens feel they need to make spaces for themselves within a policy sphere, as high school students aren’t permitted to run for local school boards or vote until 18. 

“The reason that we’re walking out and the reason why we’re having to assemble together to make these statements is because we are not heard. It is rare that you see a candidate seek the endorsement of youth and try to prioritize youth voice in policymaking,” Owen Naqica, the Sacramento chapter president of California High School Democrats, said. “That’s the reason why we have to go to protest because we can’t just call up our representative to be taken seriously and say ‘hey, can you commit to abolishing ICE?’”

Anger festered in Sacramento area teens after lackluster standpoints taken by California politicians. By meeting at the California Capitol, they hoped to ensure recognition from the higher-level elected officials. 

“The news is talking about how more than 1,000 Sacramento City Unified School District students walked out of their classes today and met at the Capitol,” Naqica said. “They’re sending a message to Governor Newsom to take a stance on the abolishment of ICE…and also a message to the Trump administration that ICE has got to go.”