Student Protests Against ICE Policies Spread Across the Midwest

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, students from Oak Park and River Forest High School and Wheaton Warrenville South High School in suburban Chicago staged coordinated walkouts to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Organized by the Garden Club at Oak Park and River Forest, the protest began at 2 p.m. Students expressed concerns about the impact of the Trump administration's immigration policies on their families and communities. Following the walkout, they marched to Congressman Danny Davis' office, demanding stronger opposition to mass deportations and calls to defund ICE.

Chicago Suburban High School Students Protest ICE with WalkoutStudents at 2 Chicago suburban high schools plan walkouts to protest ICEStudents across Milwaukee area walk out of schools to protest ICEReagan High School students walkout to protest ICEDozens of anti-ICE protests held across Southeastern Wisconsin

Simultaneously, high school students in the Milwaukee area participated in similar protests against ICE. On January 20, 2026, students from several schools, including Rufus King International High School and Reagan High School, walked out of classes to voice their fears regarding ICE's presence in their communities. The protests were partly sparked by a recent fatal shooting of a woman by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis, which heightened criticism of ICE and the Trump administration. Students chanted slogans like "no justice, no peace, no ICE in our streets," and shared personal stories of family members affected by deportations.

Students across Milwaukee area walk out of schools to protest ICEReagan High School students walkout to protest ICEChicago Suburban High School Students Protest ICE with WalkoutStudents at 2 Chicago suburban high schools plan walkouts to protest ICEDozens of anti-ICE protests held across Southeastern Wisconsin

Ana Carrillo, a senior at Rufus King, highlighted the emotional toll of these policies, stating, "I've personally had to have family go back to Mexico a couple weeks ago because of ICE." Other students echoed similar sentiments, expressing anger over the treatment of immigrants and the fear that their families could be next.

Students across Milwaukee area walk out of schools to protest ICE

The protests in the Midwest are part of a broader movement against ICE, dubbed the "Free America Walkout," which has seen participation from students across the country. In Wausau, Wisconsin, dozens of students from Wausau West High School joined the protests, holding signs that read "Warriors for Justice." Many of these students, despite being unable to vote, emphasized the importance of making their voices heard on issues affecting their communities.

Wausau students join nationwide ‘Free America Walkout’ protestsDozens of anti-ICE protests held across Southeastern WisconsinStudents across Milwaukee area walk out of schools to protest ICEReagan High School students walkout to protest ICEChicago Suburban High School Students Protest ICE with Walkout

The protests have garnered attention from various community leaders and organizations. Kali Maafree, a student from Rufus King, remarked on the significance of student activism, stating, "It's really important for all these students to be out here because ICE's policies are not only affecting politics, they're affecting students like us." Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security defended ICE's actions, claiming that recent arrests targeted individuals involved in serious crimes.

Dozens of anti-ICE protests held across Southeastern Wisconsin

Critics of the protests argue that while students are expressing valid concerns, the actions of ICE are necessary for national security. Supporters of the Trump administration assert that the policies are aimed at making America safer. This divide highlights the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and its implications for communities across the United States.

Dozens of anti-ICE protests held across Southeastern Wisconsin

As protests continue to unfold across the country, students and community members are expected to organize further demonstrations in the coming weeks, aiming to maintain pressure on lawmakers and raise awareness about the impact of immigration policies on families and communities.

Chicago Suburban High School Students Protest ICE with Walkout