Shortridge High School students protest against ICE

More than 100 students lined the sidewalk to object to federal immigration enforcement efforts

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Shortridge High School students in Indianapolis staged a walkout protest on Friday to object to the heightened presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in their community. The protest capped a week of demonstrations by high school students across Marion County and central Indiana against federal immigration enforcement that has sparked violence and fear.

Why it matters

The protests highlight the impact that increased ICE activity is having on students and their families, with reports of a friend too afraid to come to school, rumors of ICE presence in a nearby park, and declining school attendance. The protests also come as Indianapolis Public Schools faces a lawsuit from the state Attorney General over the district's policies protecting undocumented students.

The details

More than 100 Shortridge High School students lined the sidewalk along Meridian Street to protest federal immigration enforcement efforts. The students held signs and chanted, eliciting honks from passing school buses, a city bus, and other cars. The protest was organized by juniors Campbell Bell and Evelyn Peter, who criticized the administration's claims that ICE is only arresting 'felons, criminals and people who are dangerous' when students and citizens are being targeted 'purely based on the color of their skin'.

  • The protest took place on Friday, February 6, 2026 during the fourth and final class period of the day.

The players

Shortridge High School

A high school located in the heart of Indianapolis along the Meridian Street thoroughfare.

Campbell Bell

A junior at Shortridge High School and one of the protest organizers.

Evelyn Peter

A junior at Shortridge High School and one of the protest organizers.

Todd Rokita

The Attorney General of Indiana who filed a lawsuit against Indianapolis Public Schools for preventing the voluntary deportation of a Honduran man.

Olivia Ranney

A freshman at Shortridge High School who is proud of her district for fighting for her friends and families.

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What they’re saying

“The current administration in the White House claims they're only arresting felons, criminals and people who are dangerous to our communities. However, if that is true, then why are we arresting children who cannot defend themselves? If that is true, why are we arresting United States citizens purely based on the color of their skin?”

— Campbell Bell, Junior (Chalkbeat)

“America is supposed to be a place where we can all be free, and we can all have our own opinions, and we can just all live happily. Hard workers are not the criminals — our president is.”

— Evelyn Peter, Junior (Chalkbeat)

“I see a lot of these people as my family in many, many ways, and I think that knowing that we have adults that work at our schools and that work in our district fighting for the same cause makes me feel better about it.”

— Olivia Ranney, Freshman (Chalkbeat)

“I would just urge teenagers to do your research and get involved, because every little thing counts. And when it's time for us to step up, we'll be ready.”

— Owen Alvis, Junior (Chalkbeat)

What’s next

Indianapolis Public Schools is considering changing its policies in response to the lawsuit filed by the state Attorney General over the district's protection of undocumented students.

The takeaway

The Shortridge High School walkout is part of a broader movement of high school students across central Indiana protesting the heightened presence of ICE and the impact it is having on their communities. The protests highlight the tensions between federal immigration enforcement and the desire of school districts to protect the safety and privacy of all students, regardless of immigration status.