Florida Schools Grapple with Student Protests Against ICE

Lawmakers debate limits of free speech and school rules as students walk out to protest immigration enforcement.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As students across Florida continue to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), school districts are facing scrutiny from Republican lawmakers who say teachers are helping organize classroom walkouts. State education leaders and GOP lawmakers argue there's a time and place for student protests, and that they shouldn't disrupt classroom instruction. However, Democrats like State Rep. Anna Eskamani say students have a right to free expression, though schools should work to ensure protests don't overly impact learning.

Why it matters

The debate over student protests against ICE highlights the broader tensions around free speech rights, political activism, and the role of schools in addressing controversial social and political issues. It also reflects the polarized political climate in Florida, where Republican lawmakers are pushing to limit perceived liberal influence in classrooms.

The details

Republican lawmakers say they've received reports of Florida teachers helping students plan walkouts, with flyers posted in school hallways. They argue that while students have a right to protest, it shouldn't happen during instructional time. State Rep. Danny Alvarez said a teacher at Leonard High School was told not to stop students from leaving class to protest. Other GOP lawmakers like Michael Owen and Monique Miller echoed the view that student protests should happen outside of school. In response, the Florida Department of Education has warned that any students or staff organizing protests during the school day will face discipline.

  • This week, Republican lawmakers said they received reports of the alleged teacher involvement.
  • On Tuesday, lawmakers sent a letter to the Florida Department of Education calling for an investigation.
  • Shortly after, the Education Commissioner posted on 'X' saying the state would not tolerate educators encouraging protests.

The players

Danny Alvarez

A Republican state representative from Hillsborough County.

Michael Owen

A Republican state representative from Hillsborough County.

Monique Miller

A Republican state representative from Brevard County.

Anna Eskamani

A Democratic state representative from Orlando.

Anastasios Kamoutsas

The Florida Department of Education Commissioner.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When we're in school, it's math, science, and all the educational materials that are provided by the state. And then when you're on your own time, protest to your heart's content.”

— Danny Alvarez, State Representative (WFLA)

“Whether it's a conservative issue, a liberal issue, we don't care. The point is, you have rules in place that students can't get up and walk out of classroom, a classroom that's funded by the taxpayers, okay?”

— Michael Owen, State Representative (WFLA)

“If there's anybody, any employee in the schools that are helping to facilitate this, they should be held accountable to the fullest extent possible.”

— Monique Miller, State Representative (WFLA)

“Students have a right to free expression. They have the ability to engage in the act of protest. And I think it's really important that school administrators work in collaboration with those students to ensure that, of course, classroom instruction is not impacted, but that they can express themselves.”

— Anna Eskamani, State Representative (WFLA)

What’s next

The Florida Department of Education has said it will investigate any reports of educators encouraging student protests during school hours, and has warned that such behavior will be met with disciplinary action.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions between protecting students' free speech rights and maintaining order and focus in the classroom. While lawmakers argue protests should happen outside of school, Democrats say administrators should work with students to balance these interests. The outcome could set precedents for how schools handle political activism by students in the future.