La Quinta High students organize protest over ICE activity

Schools warn against walkouts, offer on-campus activities for student expression

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:15pm

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Students at La Quinta High School in California are organizing a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity as part of a national day of action. School districts in the area are balancing student expression with safety concerns, warning against unauthorized walkouts but offering on-campus activities for students to share their thoughts.

Why it matters

The protest highlights growing tensions around immigration enforcement and the challenges schools face in supporting student activism while maintaining safety and attendance policies. The emotional impact on students is also a concern, with counselors encouraging healthy coping strategies.

The details

Chloe Freeman, a La Quinta High School student, is helping organize the protest, which will involve students walking off campus to the nearby La Quinta Park and then to City Hall. School districts are emphasizing that students are not allowed to leave campus without permission, and are instead offering supervised on-campus activities for student expression.

  • The protest is scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • Students plan to walk out at 9 a.m. and make their way to City Hall.

The players

Chloe Freeman

A La Quinta High School student helping organize the protest against ICE activity.

Sarit Saig

Principal of Palm Desert High School, who reminded families that students are not allowed to leave campus without permission.

Joan L. Boiko

Spokesperson for the Palm Springs Unified School District, which is supporting student expression while emphasizing safety and attendance policies.

Maria Selene Castillo

Public information officer for the Coachella Valley Unified School District, which is offering on-campus activities for students to express themselves peacefully.

Karina Vega

CVUSD District Support Counselor, who is seeing the emotional impact on students and encouraging healthy coping strategies.

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What they’re saying

“It's very important that we as young people take a stance on things that we deem important to us.”

— Chloe Freeman

“While we respect the right to peaceful protest, the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We do not believe it is safe for students to walk to City Hall, and we do not condone students leaving campus for this or any other activity without parent permission, following sign-out procedures and appropriate supervision.”

— Sarit Saig, Principal, Palm Desert High School

“This has been a very difficult time for everyone involved because there's so many unknowns.”

— Karina Vega, CVUSD District Support Counselor

What’s next

School districts will continue to monitor the situation and enforce safety and attendance policies during the planned protest on Friday.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the delicate balance schools must strike between supporting student activism and maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. The emotional toll on students is also a concern, underscoring the importance of providing healthy coping strategies during these challenging times.