Students in Lakeview, Aurora hold school walkouts to protest immigration enforcement

The protests come after student demonstrators and police clashed in the west suburbs earlier this week.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Students in the Chicago suburbs of Lakeview and Aurora held school walkouts on Friday to protest immigration enforcement policies. The demonstrations come after more than 1,500 students participated in a similar walkout earlier this week in Aurora, where things got contentious between students and police, resulting in three arrests and injuries to multiple officers.

Why it matters

The student protests highlight growing concerns over immigration enforcement tactics and the clash between student activists and law enforcement. The situation in Aurora has raised questions about the use of force by police and the right of students to peacefully demonstrate.

The details

In the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, students at Lake View High School joined the walkout, while in Aurora, students at East Aurora High School also left class to protest. The earlier Aurora protest saw over 1,500 students participate, with three students arrested, one for aggravated battery to a police officer. Police said the students did not follow commands, walked into the street, and resisted, leading to the use of force and multiple officer injuries.

  • On February 13, 2026, students at Lake View High School in Chicago and East Aurora High School in Aurora held school walkouts.
  • Earlier this week, over 1,500 students in Aurora participated in a similar walkout that turned confrontational with police.

The players

Lake View High School

A high school in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago where students participated in a walkout to protest immigration enforcement.

East Aurora High School

A high school in Aurora, Illinois where students participated in a walkout to protest immigration enforcement, leading to clashes with police earlier in the week.

Kane County State's Attorney's Office

The office conducting an independent review of the earlier confrontation between students and police in Aurora.

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What’s next

The Kane County State's Attorney's Office is conducting an independent review of the earlier confrontation between students and police in Aurora.

The takeaway

The student protests highlight the growing tensions around immigration enforcement and the challenges schools and law enforcement face in balancing student activism and public safety concerns. The situation in Aurora has raised questions about the appropriate use of force by police when responding to student demonstrations.