Students Across Lake County Schools Protest ICE and Trump Administration

Walkouts continue as students voice concerns over federal immigration enforcement policies.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Students from high schools and middle schools across Lake County, Illinois are continuing to walk out of class this week to protest federal immigration enforcement and the policies of the Trump administration. The protests have occurred at schools including Mundelein High School, John T. Magee Middle School, Round Lake Middle School, Warren Township High School, and Barrington High School.

Why it matters

The student-led walkouts reflect growing concerns among young people about the Trump administration's immigration policies and the impact on their communities. The protests highlight the political engagement of the next generation and their desire to advocate for immigrant rights and against what they see as unjust federal actions.

The details

Students have waved flags, held signs with slogans like "ICE OUT 4 GOOD" and "DOWN WITH TRUMP", and delivered speeches voicing support for immigrant families and condemning the Trump administration's approach. School administrators have acknowledged the walkouts, noting they were not sanctioned but that students have a right to peacefully protest. Police have been present to provide traffic control and ensure student safety during the demonstrations.

  • On Thursday, students from Mundelein High School, John T. Magee Middle School and Round Lake Middle School walked out of their schools.
  • On Tuesday, students from Warren Township High School's two campuses in Gurnee and Barrington High School also held walkouts.

The players

Mundelein High School

A high school in Mundelein, Illinois where students walked out to protest federal immigration enforcement and the Trump administration.

John T. Magee Middle School

A middle school in Round Lake Beach, Illinois where students participated in the walkouts.

Round Lake Middle School

A middle school in Round Lake, Illinois where students joined the protests against ICE and the Trump administration.

Warren Township High School

A high school district in Gurnee, Illinois where students from both the O'Plaine and Almond campuses walked out.

Barrington High School

A high school in Barrington, Illinois where students protested federal immigration policies.

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What they’re saying

“We do this work for all the people. These immigrants make sure you have a place to work, sleep, and eat.”

— Mundelein High School student (lakemchenryscanner.com)

“I'm just here for my family and to show support that everyone here is not illegal.”

— Mundelein High School student (lakemchenryscanner.com)

“I feel like we live in a community with a lot of immigrants and a lot of people who have come here to make their life better. Us walking out is us representing them.”

— Mundelein High School student (lakemchenryscanner.com)

What’s next

Students from schools across Lake and McHenry counties are continuing to organize additional walkouts in the coming weeks to further protest federal immigration enforcement and the Trump administration's policies.

The takeaway

The student-led protests across Lake County highlight the growing political engagement of young people who are using their voices to advocate for immigrant rights and against what they see as unjust federal actions. The walkouts demonstrate the willingness of the next generation to take action on issues they care about, even if it means missing class time.