Video Shows Aurora Police Kneeling on Person During Student Protest

Incident occurred after over 1,500 students walked out to protest federal immigration operations

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A video circulating on social media appears to show an Aurora police officer kneeling on a person during a student protest against federal immigration operations. The protest began peacefully but later escalated, leading to police making arrests and using force against some participants. Aurora police say the video only shows a brief excerpt of a nearly two-hour incident and that they were working to maintain public safety as the situation became unsafe.

Why it matters

The incident has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about police use of force, especially against student protesters exercising their right to demonstrate. It also highlights the ongoing tensions around federal immigration enforcement and the role of local police in responding to related protests.

The details

According to police, over 1,500 students from several Aurora schools walked out on Monday to protest federal immigration operations. The protest started peacefully, but police say it later escalated, with water bottles being thrown at police vehicles, fights among students, and reckless driving near the crowd. Police say they made arrests of two students whose actions were contributing to unsafe conditions, and a third student intervened, punching an officer in the head and causing a laceration. The injured officer was taken to a hospital.

  • The student walkout protest began around 11:50 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • The incident captured on video occurred during the afternoon of the protest on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Aurora Police Department

The local police department in Aurora, Illinois that responded to and was involved in the student protest.

East Aurora High School

One of the schools whose students participated in the walkout protest against federal immigration operations.

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What they’re saying

“The Aurora Police Department remains firmly committed to respecting the constitutional right to peacefully protest, including by students. That commitment, however, must be balanced with our responsibility to protect the safety of those participating, as well as the broader community.”

— Aurora Police Department (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

The incident will be thoroughly reviewed by the Aurora Police Department, including all available video and documentation.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between police and student protesters, as well as the challenges of balancing the right to peaceful demonstration with maintaining public safety. It will likely lead to further scrutiny of police tactics and use of force, especially in the context of student-led protests against federal immigration policies.