Big Sky students organize peaceful walkout to protest ICE

Dozens of high school and middle school students marched on school grounds in a show of solidarity against the controversial presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:31pm

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On January 30th, dozens of students from Lone Peak High School and Ophir Middle School in Big Sky, Montana organized a peaceful walkout and march to protest the recent actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The student-led demonstration, which included hand-written signs and chants, was supported by the school district administration but not initiated by them. After marching on school grounds, the students gathered to share their thoughts on the issue, emphasizing the importance of using their voices to stand up for what they believe in, even in a small town.

Why it matters

The Big Sky student walkout was part of a nationwide movement, with similar demonstrations taking place in cities across the U.S. The students' actions highlight growing concerns about ICE's controversial tactics and the desire among young people to take a stand on political issues that impact their communities and the country.

The details

Led by sophomore Jack Barzizza and seniors Hana Mittelsteadt and Harper Morris, the Big Sky students burst through the school doors and marched for 15 minutes on the school grounds, earning honks of support from passing vehicles. After the march, the students gathered in the parking lot to share their thoughts, with junior Ursula Blyth speaking about the fear felt in schools nationwide. The students then mobilized to the Town Center to continue their demonstration alongside local businesses.

  • The walkout took place on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

The players

Jack Barzizza

A sophomore at Lone Peak High School who helped organize the student walkout.

Hana Mittelsteadt

A senior at Lone Peak High School who helped organize the student walkout.

Harper Morris

A senior at Lone Peak High School who helped organize the student walkout.

Dr. Dustin Shipman

The superintendent of the Big Sky School District, who supported the students' peaceful demonstration.

Ursula Blyth

A junior at Lone Peak High School who spoke about the fear felt in schools nationwide during the student gathering.

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What they’re saying

“Your voice and opinion is welcomed.”

— Hana Mittelstaedt, Senior, Lone Peak High School

“Thank you guys all for showing up and standing up for all the people who are not being treated fairly.”

— Ursula Blyth, Junior, Lone Peak High School

“Just because we're in a small town doesn't mean our voices don't matter and aren't heard. So every little thing we do does help... I'm proud of all of us.”

— Harper Morris, Senior, Lone Peak High School

“I think that so much courage is being gathered and built up around the country, and even in such a small town I can really feel it. And it's so moving—I didn't know that this big of a turnout was going to happen.”

— Hana Mittelstaedt, Senior, Lone Peak High School

“Our community is very centered around togetherness and unity, which is why I think we had such a big turnout. Because we all support each other, we all fight for what we believe in, and we're not scared to back down from a challenge.”

— Harper Morris, Senior, Lone Peak High School

What’s next

The Big Sky School District administration has stated that they will continue to support the students' right to peacefully demonstrate and express their views on important issues.

The takeaway

The Big Sky student walkout demonstrates the power of young people to organize and make their voices heard on political issues, even in a small town. The students' passion, organization, and respect for differing viewpoints set an example for how to engage in meaningful civic discourse.