Around 300 Valley students walked out of class to the football stadium to attend a peaceful protest against the local deployment of ICE on Jan. 20, at 2 p.m. Organized by a group known as LVHS Against ICE, the walkout was meant to send a message to the community, showing student dissent towards ICE presence.
“We’re here today because we believe in dignity, safety and fairness for everyone,” freshman Sophia Bhalla said while speaking to students in attendance at the walkout. “No exceptions.”
Bhalla is the vice president of the Young Democrats Club, which helped organize the walkout.
This protest comes soon after the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a Minnesota woman, by ICE officers, and the deaths of multiple people being held in detention by ICE. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, otherwise known as ICE, has been increasing operations in Loudoun County as of late, as it has been doing throughout the past year by command of the president.
More Americans than ever before are against the actions currently being taken for the alleged purpose of border control and deportation, sparking protests similar to the one at Valley all over the country. Many Valley students also condemn President Trump’s deployment of ICE to enforce legal immigration and deport illegal migrants.
“I’m definitely not supportive of ICE so it’s good that people are doing this,” sophomore Mai Abdalla said. “The walkout actually went really well, and I’m glad that I went.”
At the same time as the walkout at Valley, similar protests occurred at nearly every other high school in Loudoun County. Speeches and chants occurred at all of them, where students vocalized their frustrations to both the student body and school staff.
Following the walkout, a message was sent out to families of students reassuring them that students would not be penalized for their participation in the walkout, as it is within their rights as a student and American resident.
“I really hate to see what’s been happening with ICE,” sophomore Ellie Lowman said. “I think it really sent a message that so many people came and participated.”
Prior to its occurrence, the walkout had been approved by school administration, and teachers and security had been notified of what to expect, with students leaving class and going outside.
Because outside reporters were not allowed to cover the event on school property, student newspaper staff across the county reported on the event, and photographers were present.
The walkout lasted half an hour before students returned to class. No teachers reported disruptions by students walking out, as it is within their rights.
“ICE fears our resistance,” junior Will Ruscitella said, speaking into a bedazzled green megaphone,“STOP ICE,” written on the side. “Because ICE melts under resistance.”
