Iowa City students protest ICE over controversial killings

Over 100 students across the Iowa City school district walked out to demonstrate against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Over 100 students across the Iowa City Community School District and Iowa City community members protested at the University of Iowa Pentacrest against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday afternoon. The outrage stems from recent controversial killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by ICE agents, as well as deaths of others in ICE detention centers. The walkout was organized by West High School students Tizra Overhalt and Moss Stutsman to amplify the voices of those affected by ICE detentions.

Why it matters

The protest highlights growing concerns in the community about the actions of ICE and the impact on immigrant families. It also comes as the Iowa legislature is considering a bill that would require state law enforcement to comply with federal immigration authorities, which the protesters say would expand ICE's reach and be detrimental to the community.

The details

The walkout was organized by West High School Senior Tizra Overhalt and Junior Moss Stutsman, who said the purpose was to amplify the voices of those affected by ICE detentions. Overhalt said she felt her privilege as someone not directly impacted encouraged her to arrange the event. West High School senior and Student Government President Waleed Ibrahim also called for legislative action and more media coverage of the issues. City High freshman Yara Ahmad, an immigrant from Egypt, said travelling as an immigrant has become a concern for her, her family, and her friends.

  • The walkout took place on Thursday afternoon.

The players

Tizra Overhalt

A West High School senior who co-organized the walkout to protest ICE.

Moss Stutsman

A West High School junior who co-organized the walkout to protest ICE.

Waleed Ibrahim

A West High School senior and Student Government President who called for legislative action and more media coverage of the issues.

Yara Ahmad

A City High School freshman and immigrant from Egypt who said travelling as an immigrant has become a concern for her, her family, and her friends.

Oliver Weilein

An Iowa City Council member who appeared at the protest to support the student protesters.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Literally make a Canva graphic, and then post it up in places, and people will show up. Don't be nervous about people being as passionate. They're just looking for a way to help. And also help your neighbors donate, call your legislators, demand change because that's what we need right now.”

— Tizra Overhalt, West High School Senior (dailyiowan.com)

“Local change first, and then hopefully, since Iowa is seen as a red state, this will help let the people know that we're done. We're tired. It's been enough of this.”

— Tizra Overhalt, West High School Senior (dailyiowan.com)

“I want people who are in much higher positions to actually be able to change things legally. Whether that's the state senate or the actual legislative branch, I think that people need to be able to see that this isn't just happening in one place.”

— Waleed Ibrahim, West High School Senior and Student Government President (dailyiowan.com)

“I've only been here for like 2 years, so it's a very disappointing thing to have to worry about. Like, where am I going, and some of my friends have to kind of worry when they're going out too. I just have to keep an eye out.”

— Yara Ahmad, City High School Freshman (dailyiowan.com)

“There's always teachers telling you, 'Oh, you're going to get detention, you're not going to go to college, this, that, and the other thing.' Generally, when they say things like that, they are lying to you. You have way more power than you realize, so never sell yourself short.”

— Oliver Weilein, Iowa City Council Member (dailyiowan.com)

What’s next

The Iowa legislature is considering a bill, HF 2041, that would require state law enforcement to comply with federal immigration authorities. The judge overseeing the case against ICE will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the protesters' leader, Walker Reed Quinn, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the growing concerns in the Iowa City community about the actions of ICE and the impact on immigrant families. It demonstrates the power of student activism to raise awareness and demand change, even in a state seen as politically conservative. The outcome of the proposed state legislation and the legal case against the protest organizer will be important to watch going forward.