Hammond Central students protest ICE in school walkout

Dozens of students walked out to voice opposition to immigration enforcement actions

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Dozens of students at Hammond Central High School in Indiana walked out of school on Monday to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and show solidarity with the Latino community. The students held signs and chanted slogans, with honking car horns and music serving as a backdrop. The walkout was organized by students via social media and supported by the school administration, who gave students about 20 minutes to participate after lunch.

Why it matters

The Hammond Central walkout is part of a nationwide trend of high school students protesting ICE enforcement, especially following recent incidents in Minneapolis where two American citizens were shot and killed by immigration officers. The walkouts reflect growing concerns in Latino communities about immigration crackdowns and a desire among young people to advocate for the rights of immigrant families.

The details

The walkout at Hammond Central High School involved dozens of students, many of whom held signs protesting ICE or waving flags from Latin American countries. The students chanted slogans and were supported by honking car horns and the song 'DtMF' by Bad Bunny. The school administration was aware of the planned walkout and allowed students about 20 minutes to participate after the lunch period ended at 12:40 p.m. Members of the Northwest Indiana Community Response Team, which helps respond to ICE activity in the region, were on hand to provide information to students about their rights.

  • The walkout began at 12:40 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, after the lunch period ended at Hammond Central High School.

The players

Edward Garcia

A 15-year-old sophomore at Hammond Central High School who participated in the walkout, saying he was proud to join his fellow students in fighting for what's right.

Veronica Garcia

A teacher at Hammond Central High School and the mother of Edward Garcia, who said she was impressed by the students' compassion and their personal connection to the immigration issues being protested.

Anthony Salinas

The acting superintendent of the School City of Hammond, who praised the students for their peaceful and organized protest and gave them time to participate.

Aleks Lexow

The support department lead for the Northwest Indiana Community Response Team, which helped provide information to students about their rights during the walkout.

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What they’re saying

“We're showing up, and we're fighting for what's right. In the Latino community, we're being targeted by this current administration. It's very refreshing, and it's very heartwarming in a way to see the school coming up and speaking out against this administration. … We're speaking up, and we're fighting for what's right.”

— Edward Garcia, 15-year-old sophomore

“I'm very impressed by the students' compassion for one another. People are quick to critique this young generation, when they don't realize that they're having a totally different experience than what we had. The compassion they have for each other is to be admired.”

— Veronica Garcia, Teacher

“Seeing these kids come out, it's made me feel so much better about the world that my kids are growing into. All of these kids have so much strength, and it just makes me hopeful.”

— Aleks Lexow, Support department lead, Northwest Indiana Community Response Team

What’s next

The school district and community organizers will continue to monitor the situation and provide support for students who wish to exercise their right to protest peacefully.

The takeaway

The Hammond Central student walkout is a powerful example of young people using their voices to advocate for the rights of immigrant communities, even when they are not directly impacted. Their compassion, courage, and commitment to fighting for what's right offer hope for the future.