Hundreds of Fresno students walk out in anti-ICE protests

Fresno High and Sunnyside High students join nationwide 'shutdown' demonstration against deportations

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:39pm

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Hundreds of students from multiple Fresno Unified high schools, including around 300 from Fresno High and over 200 from Sunnyside High, walked out of their campuses on Friday to join the nationwide anti-ICE 'national shutdown' protest. The students marched through the Tower District and downtown Fresno, chanting slogans and temporarily blocking traffic in support of their cause.

Why it matters

The student walkouts are the latest example of growing activism among Fresno's youth, who have been galvanized by the Trump administration's deportation crackdown and recent incidents of violence involving ICE and Border Patrol agents. The protests highlight the students' desire to have their voices heard on important political issues affecting their community.

The details

The Fresno High students marched from their campus to the Fresno Unified administrative building downtown, while the Sunnyside High students also walked out in solidarity. The students chanted slogans like 'ICE out of Fresno' and 'We skipped our lessons to teach you a lesson.' Police monitored the protests, which temporarily blocked traffic on Olive and Venice Avenues in the Tower District. Several cars honked in support of the student protesters.

  • The walkouts occurred on Friday, January 30, 2026 during the lunch period and continued into the early afternoon.

The players

Fresno High School

A public high school in Fresno, California where around 300 students walked out to join the anti-ICE protests.

Sunnyside High School

A public high school in Fresno, California where over 200 students walked out to join the anti-ICE protests.

Nivri Parnell

A 17-year-old Fresno High School student who participated in the walkout, stating 'This is a free country. And when [that freedom is threatened] We have to use our voices, we have to fight.'

Rachel Valdez

A parent who was walking near the protest and expressed support, saying 'I think it's awesome they're getting involved.'

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What they’re saying

“This is a free country. And when [that freedom is threatened] We have to use our voices, we have to fight.”

— Nivri Parnell, Fresno High School student (The Fresno Bee)

“I think it's awesome they're getting involved.”

— Rachel Valdez, Parent (The Fresno Bee)

What’s next

Fresno Unified officials have said they will review the student absences and determine if any disciplinary action is warranted. Community leaders and activists have praised the students for their activism and vowed to continue supporting their efforts.

The takeaway

The Fresno student walkouts demonstrate the growing political engagement and activism of the city's youth, who are using their voices to advocate for immigrant rights and against the Trump administration's deportation policies. This protest highlights the power of student-led movements to drive social and political change in their communities.