Students Arrested, Property Damaged After ICE Protest Walkout at Georgia High School

Three students face charges after defying orders to return to class during demonstration at East Coweta High School.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Three students were taken into police custody and one remains in jail after participating in a walkout protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at East Coweta High School in metro Atlanta. The students are accused of damaging property after refusing to return to class when ordered by school resource officers.

Why it matters

Student protests against ICE operations have become more common across the country, leading to questions about the balance between students' right to free expression and schools' duty to maintain order and safety. This incident highlights the potential consequences students can face for defying school directives during such demonstrations.

The details

More than 100 East Coweta High School students walked out of class to protest ICE, with most returning when told. However, 30-40 students continued to the football stadium, where they were ordered to go to the principal's office. Three students refused and are accused of damaging school property.

  • On February 7, 2026, over 100 students walked out of East Coweta High School to protest ICE.
  • The three students were arrested at the school on February 7, 2026.

The players

East Coweta High School

A public high school located in metro Atlanta, Georgia.

Coweta County School System

The school district that oversees East Coweta High School.

Dr. Evan Horton

The superintendent of the Coweta County School System.

Joshua McCall

An immigration attorney who has analyzed the student protests against ICE.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't about discriminating against students' political viewpoints. Maintaining order during the school day and maintaining a proper focus on classroom learning is our duty as a school system.”

— Dr. Evan Horton, Superintendent, Coweta County School System (wsbtv.com)

“If something were to happen to the students after they walked out in one of these protests, the school may be financially liable for what happened to them.”

— Joshua McCall, Immigration Attorney (wsbtv.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the 17-year-old student, who remains in jail, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between students' right to protest and schools' responsibility to maintain order and safety. While the school district supports the students' right to express their views, it must also balance that with its duty to ensure a proper learning environment, raising complex questions about the limits of student activism on campus.