Helena Students Protest Against ICE

Dozens of students gather near high school to denounce U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Around two dozen students in Helena, Montana held a protest on Thursday morning outside Helena High School, gathering near Montana Avenue and holding signs denouncing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The crowd drew both honks of support and some criticism from passing drivers, with community members stopping by to provide pizza and other warm snacks as temperatures hovered between 10 and 15 degrees.

Why it matters

The student protest highlights growing activism among young people on immigration issues, with the demonstrators seeking to show support for their friends, families, and community members affected by ICE enforcement actions.

The details

Students emphasized the importance of demonstrating and making their voices heard, with one sophomore at Helena High saying 'We just want to show every support we can for all of our friends, all of our parents, grandparents, those who came before us, because I think this is like the most American thing we can do-- protesting, our First Amendment, come on.' Across town, students at Capital High School also held a similar walkout demonstration.

  • The protest took place on Thursday morning, February 20, 2026.

The players

Madison Merrill

A sophomore at Helena High School who spoke at the protest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We just want to show every support we can for all of our friends, all of our parents, grandparents, those who came before us, because I think this is like the most American thing we can do-- protesting, our First Amendment, come on.”

— Madison Merrill, Sophomore, Helena High School (kxlh.com)

The takeaway

The student protest in Helena reflects a growing movement among young people to take action on immigration issues and exercise their First Amendment rights, highlighting the political engagement of the next generation.