Kane County to Independently Review Aurora Police Response to Student Walkout

Three students were arrested during a 1,500-person protest against ICE activity, sparking concerns over use of force

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Kane County State's Attorney's Office will conduct an independent review into allegations of excessive use of force by the Aurora Police Department during a student walkout protest on February 9th. Three East Aurora High School students were arrested, including one who allegedly punched an officer, as police attempted to manage the 1,500-person demonstration against recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.

Why it matters

The incident has sparked concerns in the community about the police response to the student protest, with videos circulating online that appear to show an officer tackling one of the arrested students. The independent review aims to determine if the officers' actions were consistent with department policy and the law.

The details

According to authorities, officers made repeated attempts to safely facilitate the protest and gain voluntary compliance from students as they entered the road. Police also reported seeing rocks and water bottles being thrown at squad cars, altercations breaking out among students, intimidation of passing drivers, and reckless driving near the gathered students. The three boys were charged with improper walking in the roadway, obstructing and resisting a peace officer, and one was also charged with aggravated battery to an officer.

  • The student walkout protest occurred on February 9, 2026.
  • The Kane County State's Attorney's Office announced it will conduct an independent review of the incident.

The players

Kane County State's Attorney's Office

The government agency that will independently review the Aurora Police Department's response to the student walkout protest.

Aurora Police Department

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

East Aurora High School students

The group of approximately 1,500 students who participated in the walkout protest against recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.

Matt Thomas

The Aurora Police Chief who stated that video clips circulating online do not capture the full sequence of events.

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What they’re saying

“Video clips [circulating online] do not capture the full sequence of events. Officers encountered active and ongoing resistance as they attempted to place the boys in custody.”

— Matt Thomas, Aurora Police Chief (Patch)

What’s next

The Kane County State's Attorney's Office will review all body-worn camera footage, reports, and related evidence from the Aurora Police Department to determine if the officers' actions were consistent with department policy, training, and applicable law. Once the review is completed, the office will issue a full report.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and student protesters, and the need for thorough and impartial reviews of police use of force, especially in situations involving minors. The independent investigation aims to provide transparency and accountability around the Aurora Police Department's response to the student walkout.