Three Aurora students charged after protest walkout

Police say students blocked traffic, fought with officers during demonstration

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Around 1,500 students from several Aurora-area schools walked out on Monday to protest the Trump administration's immigration policies, leading to clashes with police and three students being charged. The Aurora Police Department said the students blocked traffic, threw water bottles at officers, and one student punched an officer, resulting in the arrests.

Why it matters

Student walkouts and protests have become more common across the Chicago area in recent years as young people seek to voice their political views, though the interactions with law enforcement during these events have sometimes been contentious.

The details

According to police, the students from East Aurora High School, West Aurora High School, and other nearby schools marched toward downtown Aurora and City Hall on Monday. Police said the students began 'disregarding officers' directions by entering traffic lanes, blocking vehicles and walking into oncoming traffic.' Fights broke out and water bottles were thrown at police vehicles, the department claimed. Two students were taken into custody for resisting officers, and a third was charged with aggravated battery on a police officer after allegedly punching an officer in the head.

  • The walkout occurred around 11:50 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • The three students were charged following the incident.

The players

Aurora Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the student walkout and made the arrests.

East Aurora High School

One of the schools whose students participated in the walkout protest.

West Aurora High School

Another school whose students were involved in the walkout.

Barbara Hernandez

An Illinois state representative who said the incident 'escalated beyond what anyone hoped for' and is working to understand what occurred.

Karina Villa

An Illinois state senator who criticized the police response, calling videos of 'minors being restrained and handled like criminals' as 'deeply disturbing and unacceptable.'

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What they’re saying

“Our children are our future. Their voices should be protected and uplifted – not silenced through intimidation or force.”

— Karina Villa, Illinois State Senator (News release)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the three arrested students to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between student protesters and law enforcement, raising questions about how authorities should respond to walkouts and other youth-led demonstrations over political issues.