Hundreds of Fresno students march to mall in anti-ICE protest

Bullard High students join growing walkouts across district against immigration enforcement

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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More than 250 students from Bullard High School in Fresno, California, marched three miles to the Fashion Fair Mall on Tuesday to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The walkout was the third day of anti-ICE protests at Fresno Unified School District campuses, with an estimated 1,000 students participating across the district since Friday.

Why it matters

The student-led protests reflect growing concerns in the Fresno community about the escalating tactics and impact of ICE enforcement, including recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of two Minnesota residents. The walkouts also highlight the willingness of local youth to take political action on issues they care about.

The details

The Bullard High students left campus during third period, marching along Shaw Avenue while holding signs and chanting slogans like "ICE out of America" and "F--- ICE." After arriving at Fashion Fair Mall, about 100 students proceeded to march through the mall, though mall security warned they could face arrest for disrupting business. There were no apparent arrests, and Fresno Unified staff accompanied the students to ensure their safety.

  • On Tuesday, around 250 Bullard High students left campus during third period and marched to Fashion Fair Mall.
  • On Monday, students walked out of Hoover High School and Washington Union High School to protest ICE.
  • On Friday, several hundred students from Fresno High School and Sunnyside High School walked out to join the national anti-ICE protest.

The players

Bullard High School

A high school in Fresno, California, where over 250 students participated in the anti-ICE walkout.

Fresno Unified School District

The school district in Fresno, California, where multiple high schools have seen student walkouts to protest ICE in the past three days.

Wen Westpy

A 16-year-old junior at Bullard High School who said the students hoped to raise awareness about the escalating violence of ICE operations.

Rebecca Castillo

A junior at Bullard High School who said the protests are an important way to bring recognition to the victims of ICE enforcement.

Fashion Fair Mall

A shopping mall in Fresno where the Bullard High students marched, though mall security warned they could face arrest for disrupting business.

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What they’re saying

“They (the public) should care especially if students care.”

— Wen Westpy, 16-year-old junior, Bullard High School (fresnobee.com)

“I think it's an extremely important way to bring recognition to the victims.”

— Rebecca Castillo, junior, Bullard High School (fresnobee.com)

“You're allowed to be outside and protest all you want, we're happy about that. You cannot disrupt our business.”

— Mall official (fresnobee.com)

What’s next

The Fresno Unified School District has not indicated any specific next steps, but the student-led protests are likely to continue as the community grapples with the impact of ICE enforcement.

The takeaway

The student walkouts in Fresno highlight the willingness of local youth to take political action on issues they care about, even if it means disrupting school and challenging private businesses. The protests reflect growing concerns in the community about the escalating tactics and impact of ICE enforcement.