Florida Students Protest ICE, Face Potential Discipline

Schools warn walkouts could disrupt learning, but students retain free speech rights

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Thousands of Florida students have walked out of schools to protest the Trump administration's immigration policies, including the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While students have First Amendment rights, schools can discipline them for walkouts if they are considered disruptive to school operations. The Florida Education Commissioner has warned districts that protests must not interrupt instructional time.

Why it matters

The student protests highlight the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the rights of students to exercise free speech, even if it disrupts the school environment. This case raises questions about the balance between student civil liberties and a school's ability to maintain order and focus on education.

The details

Students across Florida, from Palm Beach to Sarasota to Duval counties, have staged walkouts to protest ICE and the Trump administration's immigration policies. Free speech experts say public school students retain First Amendment rights, but schools can discipline them if the protests are deemed disruptive. The Florida Education Commissioner has warned districts that protests cannot interrupt instructional time or school operations, and administrators can punish students who walk out, as long as the punishment is applied equally regardless of the protest's viewpoint.

  • On Feb. 3, the Florida Education Commissioner sent a letter to superintendents about student protests.
  • On Feb. 17, the Education Commissioner called the walkouts "huge disruptions" at a press conference with Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The players

Anastasios "Stasi" Kamoutsas

The Florida Education Commissioner who has warned districts that student protests cannot disrupt instructional time or school operations.

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who appeared at a press conference with the Education Commissioner to discuss the student walkouts.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you for taking such a strong stance when it comes to the walkouts that are disrupting the learning environment here in our schools in Florida”

— Anastasios "Stasi" Kamoutsas, Florida Education Commissioner (Press conference)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.