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Georgia Students Walk Out of Over 100 Schools to Protest ICE
Organizers say some Latino students stayed home out of fear of being targeted.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:23pm
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Students at more than 100 schools across Georgia walked out of classes to protest ICE, with organizers saying some Latino students stayed home out of fear. At Centennial High School in Roswell, over 100 students poured out of the building, chanting slogans like "We want ICE out of sight!" Some Latino students did not attend school at all due to concerns about being targeted. Parents like Carole Veschi, who has adopted children from Guatemala, expressed worry about their children's safety. School administrators responded by keeping the walkout supervised and contained in the parking lot, rather than threatening expulsions.
Why it matters
The student walkouts highlight growing concerns within Georgia's Latino community about the presence and actions of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Some students and families are fearful of potential targeting or risks to their immigration status, leading to absences from school. The protests reflect broader debates around immigration enforcement policies and their impact on local communities.
The details
The walkouts were part of a nationwide day of protests sparked by recent deadly ICE shootings in Minneapolis. At Centennial High School, over 100 students gathered in the parking lot, chanting slogans and expressing solidarity with their Latino classmates who stayed home out of fear. Parents like Carole Veschi, who has adopted children from Guatemala, described their constant worry about their children's safety when they are not at home. School administrators opted to contain the walkout rather than threaten expulsions, recognizing the students' concerns.
- The walkouts occurred on January 30, 2026.
- More protests are scheduled for later Thursday and into the weekend.
The players
Abby Kousouris
A reporter covering the student walkouts at Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia.
Carole Veschi
A parent who has adopted two children from Guatemala who are U.S. citizens, and is concerned about their safety due to how they look.
Jose Ibarra
A man found guilty of murdering a nursing student from Augusta University, who is seeking a new trial.
What they’re saying
“Some students walked out. Others never came to school at all because they were too afraid.”
— Abby Kousouris, Reporter
“I'm scared. It isn't when they leave the house — it's when they're not home. When they're late, it's like, 'Uh-oh... where are they?'”
— Carole Veschi, Parent
“The kids are saying, 'Our fellow students are scared. Help us.' And I think that's great — that they're thinking of other people besides themselves.”
— Carole Veschi, Parent
What’s next
More protests are scheduled for later Thursday and into the weekend in Georgia and South Carolina.
The takeaway
The student walkouts in Georgia highlight the growing fear and concerns within the Latino community about the presence and actions of ICE. The protests reflect broader debates around immigration enforcement policies and their impact on local communities, with some students and families feeling targeted or at risk. The school's response to contain the walkout rather than threaten expulsions suggests a recognition of the students' valid concerns.
