Maryland Delegate Urges Baltimore County Schools to Prevent Student Walkouts

Del. Nino Mangione calls for action to stop planned protests over ICE operations

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A Maryland state delegate is urging Baltimore County schools to take steps to prevent students from walking out of class on Friday to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Del. Nino Mangione, a Republican, wrote a letter to school leaders asking them to "take any and all actions necessary" to stop the planned walkouts, which he says have "no place in the Baltimore County school system." However, the school district says students who participate in peaceful, non-disruptive protests will not face disciplinary or academic consequences.

Why it matters

The planned student walkouts are part of a broader movement across the country protesting ICE's immigration enforcement tactics. The Baltimore-area demonstrations come after recent high-profile incidents involving federal agents, raising concerns about the impact on immigrant communities. This clash between a state politician and the school district highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate role of schools in facilitating or restricting student activism.

The details

Del. Mangione cited a flyer circulating about a planned walkout at Hereford High School, where students across Baltimore County are expected to leave their classrooms at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. Mangione argued that while people have the right to protest, "these activities should be reserved for outside the school system." However, Baltimore County Public Schools said students who participate in a peaceful, non-disruptive walkout would not face disciplinary or academic consequences. On Thursday, dozens of students at Baltimore City College High School marched from their temporary campus to a nearby park, carrying signs and chanting about immigration issues.

  • Students are planning walkouts across Baltimore County on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • On Thursday, February 5, 2026, dozens of students at Baltimore City College High School participated in a protest march.

The players

Nino Mangione

A Republican delegate in the Maryland General Assembly who represents parts of Baltimore County.

Baltimore County Public Schools

The school district that oversees public schools in Baltimore County, Maryland.

Keira Thompson

A student at Baltimore City College High School who participated in the Thursday protest.

Tylea Booker

A student at Baltimore City College High School who participated in the Thursday protest.

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What they’re saying

“This type of activity has no place in the Baltimore County school system, and I am quite confident you agree.”

— Nino Mangione, Maryland State Delegate (cbsnews.com)

“This whole ICE situation, it's just a huge lack of humanity, as it says on our poster.”

— Keira Thompson, Baltimore City College High School Student (cbsnews.com)

“I am able to use my voice. I will say that to give people who don't have a voice or who are trying to be silenced a voice, and immigrants are the foundation of our community, and I mean that wholeheartedly.”

— Tylea Booker, Baltimore City College High School Student (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.