Pewaukee High School students protest ICE immigration enforcement

Dozens of students walked out of class to voice opposition to ICE operations in Minnesota

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:15pm

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Students at Pewaukee High School in Wisconsin staged a walkout on Wednesday to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigration enforcement activities, joining demonstrations across southeastern Wisconsin. Around two dozen students participated, chanting and holding signs in opposition to ICE operations taking place in Minneapolis. The students said they wanted to make their voices heard, even in a predominantly conservative area, and expressed concerns about the treatment of immigrants seeking a better life.

Why it matters

The student walkout at Pewaukee High School reflects growing concerns among young people about the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies and actions. While some students support ICE's mission, the protesters argue that immigration laws should be applied humanely and that undocumented immigrants should not be targeted for deportation if they have not committed serious crimes.

The details

The Pewaukee High School walkout was organized by students Hailyn Davis and Natalie Rose, who said they were inspired by other student demonstrations happening in the region. The students chanted and waved signs opposing ICE's activities in Minnesota, where the Trump administration recently announced the withdrawal of hundreds of officers. However, the organizers said they believe ICE's presence anywhere in the country is problematic. While the Pewaukee protest was relatively small, the students said it was important to show that even in a conservative area, there are people who care about these issues.

  • The walkout took place on Wednesday, February 5, 2026 during school pickup time.

The players

Hailyn Davis

A student organizer of the Pewaukee High School walkout.

Natalie Rose

A student organizer of the Pewaukee High School walkout.

Devin Burg

The leader of the Arrowhead High School chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative action group, who believes immigration laws should be enforced.

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What they’re saying

“For these people who are just coming here for a better life who didn't do anything actually wrong besides just coming here, they should definitely still be allowed here.”

— Hailyn Davis, Student organizer (tmj4.com)

“I think as long as they're there in Minnesota or anywhere around our country, there's going to be problems.”

— Natalie Rose, Student organizer (tmj4.com)

“I believe all people should be treated kindly, but there also needs to be laws for a nation to operate, and you can't have open borders otherwise; there is chaos that will ensue.”

— Devin Burg, Leader of Arrowhead High School Turning Point USA chapter (tmj4.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 student protest highlights the growing divide over immigration enforcement, with young people increasingly voicing concerns about the treatment of undocumented immigrants while others argue that immigration laws must be strictly enforced. The walkout shows that these debates are playing out in high schools and communities across the country.