Elementary students in San Francisco protest ICE policies

10-year-old organizer Finnley Borelli led the after-school demonstration with signs, letters, and calls to action

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:31pm

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After classes let out at Grattan Elementary School in San Francisco's Cole Valley neighborhood, dozens of students poured out with homemade protest signs against the federal government's immigration policies. Leading the demonstration was 10-year-old Finnley Borelli, who organized the event with two friends after being 'crestfallen' by news of recent killings by immigration officers in Minneapolis. The students were joined by parents, younger siblings, and state Sen. Scott Wiener as they marched to a nearby dog park, passing out Girl Scout cookies and writing letters to elected officials and children in Minneapolis.

Why it matters

The student-led protest highlights growing political awareness and activism among young people, who are increasingly engaged in issues like immigration reform, racial justice, and climate change. The demonstration also reflects broader concerns in the San Francisco community about the federal government's immigration enforcement policies and their impact on local families.

The details

Borelli originally wanted to stage a school walkout, but since he couldn't leave the building without his parents, he settled for an after-school protest instead. He organized the event alongside two friends, Lennon Young and Samuel Brophy, holding a planning sleepover and a fundraising bake sale. The demonstrators passed out flyers with QR codes to survey neighbors on the best timing for the protest.

  • On Friday afternoon, classes let out at Grattan Elementary School.
  • The student-led protest took place in the Cole Valley neighborhood of San Francisco.

The players

Finnley Borelli

A 10-year-old fourth-grade student at Grattan Elementary School who organized the protest against ICE policies.

Lennon Young

One of Borelli's friends who helped organize the protest.

Samuel Brophy

One of Borelli's friends who helped organize the protest.

Jaime-Alexis Fowler

Borelli's mother, who supported her son's activism and political engagement.

Scott Wiener

A California state senator who attended the protest and expressed support for the students' actions.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to start this because of what's happening in Minneapolis. I think it's horrific that people are getting treated this way. I wish Trump would stop doing this to people.”

— Finnley Borelli, 10-year-old protest organizer

“We are in an all hands on deck situation. It's going to be a long-term fight for our country. So we need the next generation of leaders and activists to learn early.”

— Scott Wiener, California state senator (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The students plan to continue their advocacy by writing letters to elected officials in Minnesota and reaching out to children in Minneapolis to show their support.

The takeaway

This student-led protest demonstrates the growing political awareness and activism among young people, who are increasingly engaged in issues like immigration reform, racial justice, and climate change. The demonstration reflects broader community concerns about federal immigration policies and the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders and activists.