Student Struck by Vehicle During ICE Protest Walkout at Fremont High

Incident occurred outside school during student-organized demonstration against ICE enforcement.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:47pm

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A Fremont High School student was struck by a vehicle outside the school during a student-organized walkout protesting ICE enforcement. The injured student was taken to the hospital for treatment, and the incident was captured on video by a nearby resident.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the potential risks and tensions surrounding student-led protests, especially those involving controversial political issues like immigration enforcement. It raises questions about school safety protocols and the balance between student expression and public security.

The details

According to witnesses, the student was hit by a driver who got out of their car during the protest, then got back in and struck the student. The injured student was initially laying on the ground but then sat up and was holding their knee.

  • The incident occurred on January 30, 2026 during a student walkout at Fremont High School.

The players

Fremont High School

A public high school in Fremont, California where the incident took place.

Hagen Wardschaefer

A junior at Fremont High School who heard about the incident but did not attend the protest.

Merri

A resident who lives across the street from Fremont High School and recorded video of the incident.

Dr. Brad Dahl

The superintendent of Fremont Public Schools, who released a statement about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Very chaotic. I heard conversations about it left and right. A lot of us in my class were scared. We, uh, We just, uh, some of us actually wanted to get a peek out here. I was, I just like wanted to stay in.”

— Hagen Wardschaefer, Junior, Fremont High School

“I noticed he got out of his car I started videoing because I was like, what's happening here? I didn't know if he was gonna go get aggressive or if they were getting aggressive.”

— Merri, Resident near Fremont High School

“I noticed the girl sitting there. She ended up sitting up, but at first she was just laying down on the ground and then she sat up and started holding her knee.”

— Merri, Resident near Fremont High School

“We value our relationship with our first responders and their help today. We will continue to work together to keep our students and community safe.”

— Dr. Brad Dahl, Superintendent, Fremont Public Schools

What’s next

The school district and local authorities will likely investigate the incident further to determine the circumstances and any potential charges against the driver.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for schools, students, and communities to have clear safety protocols in place for student protests and demonstrations, in order to balance the right to free expression with the responsibility to protect public safety.