Hundreds of North Side high school students walk out to protest ICE

Students from multiple schools converge at River Park for anti-ICE rally

Feb. 2, 2026 at 5:31pm

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Hundreds of high school students from Chicago's North Side walked out of class on Monday to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The students, representing at least four different schools, marched to River Park where they held a rally voicing concerns over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown and calling for the abolition of ICE.

Why it matters

The student walkout and rally highlight growing concerns among young people about the impact of federal immigration enforcement on their communities. The protest reflects broader debates around immigration policy, civil liberties, and the role of law enforcement agencies like ICE.

The details

The unified walkout involved students from Amundsen, Mather, Roosevelt high schools, and Northside College Prep. Similar scenes unfolded in the suburbs, where Streamwood High School students also walked out. Nearly a dozen students took the mic at the rally, sharing perspectives on how ICE has impacted their classmates, neighbors, and families. Many called for the abolition of ICE, citing concerns over civil liberties and the agency's adherence to the Constitution.

  • The walkout and rally took place on Monday, February 2, 2026.

The players

Luis Delgado

A student at Northside College Prep who spoke at the rally.

Amari Bell

A student at Mather High School who spoke at the rally.

Angelique Guzman

A student at Mather High School who spoke at the rally.

Benart Babatinca

A student at Mather High School who spoke at the rally.

Ald. Andre Vasquez

A Chicago alderman who spoke in support of the students at the rally.

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What they’re saying

“Neighborhoods that are built on diversity are now filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Families torn apart. Children are painfully separated from their parents, and hard-working people who contribute greatly to our economy are forced to live in fear.”

— Luis Delgado, Student, Northside College Prep

“As children in America, we learn many, many things, and among them, one of the very first things we learn is the Pledge of Allegiance, which states that liberty and justice is for us all.”

— Amari Bell, Student, Mather High School

“Many immigrants come here to escape the violence in their homelands, and the U.S. is deporting them and putting their lives at risk.”

— Angelique Guzman, Student, Mather High School

“If you are a minority, you are a target. If you stand up to them, you are a target. They don't abide by the Constitution, and they don't abide by the law.”

— Angelique Guzman, Student, Mather High School

“When you see something wrong, something unjust, we have the moral obligation to do something about it.”

— Benart Babatinca, Student, Mather High School

What’s next

Many of the students who participated in the walkout and rally said their next move is to make their voices heard at the polls in the upcoming March 17 primary election.

The takeaway

This student-led protest reflects growing concerns among young people about the impact of federal immigration enforcement on their communities. The walkout and rally highlight the willingness of these students to take bold action in defense of civil liberties and immigrant rights, setting the stage for their continued political engagement.