Students March Through Downtown Grand Rapids After Walkout Protesting Immigration Enforcement

Hundreds of students from Grand Rapids Public Museum High School marched to Rosa Parks Circle to call for greater awareness of the impact of immigration policies.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Dozens of students walked out of Grand Rapids Public Museum High School on Wednesday afternoon and marched through downtown to Rosa Parks Circle, protesting federal immigration enforcement and calling for greater awareness of its impact on communities. The demonstration was organized by students, who said they were motivated in part by immigration-related headlines across the country and wanted their school to show support for the issue.

Why it matters

The student-led walkout and march highlight growing concerns among young people about the effects of immigration enforcement policies on their communities. It also reflects a broader trend of youth activism on social and political issues.

The details

Participants carried signs and chanted as they moved through downtown. Student organizers described the event as peaceful and focused on encouraging conversation. Students who joined the march said they believe young people should speak out on issues that affect their communities.

  • The walkout and march took place on Wednesday afternoon, February 4, 2026.

The players

Vera Taft

A junior at Grand Rapids Public Museum High School who helped organize the walkout and march.

Vaida Sanchez

A junior at Grand Rapids Public Museum High School who participated in the march.

Dana Nessel

The Michigan Attorney General, who announced her office is preparing for federal immigration operations and working to help residents understand their rights.

Grand Rapids Public Museum High School

The high school where the student walkout and march originated.

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What they’re saying

“We decided to do something because a lot of the other schools last week were having walkouts and our school didn't do anything, so we decided to organize something so our school could show our support for this issue.”

— Vera Taft, Junior, Grand Rapids Public Museum High School (WWMT)

“Just because we're young does not mean that our opinions don't matter. This should matter to everyone.”

— Vaida Sanchez, Junior, Grand Rapids Public Museum High School (WWMT)

“There's a lot of voices out there that cannot be heard for safety reasons, and we're here to speak up for them.”

— Vera Taft, Junior, Grand Rapids Public Museum High School (WWMT)

“Our common goal is just this, to keep Michiganders safe and to help them protect their rights.”

— Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General (WWMT)

What’s next

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office has launched an online form for residents to report what they consider concerning behavior by federal immigration agents. The form is available on the Department of Attorney General's website.

The takeaway

The student-led walkout and march in Grand Rapids highlight the growing activism and engagement of young people on issues like immigration enforcement that have a direct impact on their communities. The event reflects a broader trend of youth-led protests and demonstrations on social and political issues across the country.