Grand Island police arrest one, cite juvenile after 'GISH' walk-out incident

Students staged a peaceful ICE protest walk-out that ended in a physical altercation with a community member

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

About 150 students from Grand Island Senior High staged a peaceful walkout on Monday related to ICE activity. The walkout happened just before 1:30 p.m., with students leaving campus to walk through various areas of the Grand Island community and raise awareness around their message. Police were called after a disruption at the Five Points Roundabout, and later a 54-year-old man drove by, voiced a pro-ICE opinion, and ended up assaulting a student. The man was arrested and a juvenile was cited for assault.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the tensions and challenges that can arise when students engage in political protests, especially around sensitive immigration issues. It raises questions about how schools and communities can balance students' rights to free expression with maintaining public safety and order.

The details

According to police, the students went up to Capital Avenue and then over to Broadwell. At the Five Points Roundabout, officers had to make sure students got back on the sidewalk as they continued walking through town. Around school dismissal time, a small group of students made their way to an area on College Street across from West Lawn Elementary. That's when the 54-year-old man drove by, voiced a pro-ICE opinion, and ended up assaulting a student. Several other students then assaulted the man, who was later arrested. A juvenile was also cited for assault.

  • The walkout happened just before 1:30 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Around school dismissal time, the incident at College Street and West Lawn Elementary occurred.

The players

Matt Fisher

Grand Island Public Schools Superintendent

Dean Elliott

Grand Island Police Division Chief

54-year-old man

A community member who drove by, voiced a pro-ICE opinion, and assaulted a student

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We as a community must remember that our students are watching us and that we are in the work of caring for each other together.”

— Matt Fisher, Grand Island Public Schools Superintendent (wowt.com)

“Engaging in violent arguments does not solve our problems but rather amplifies them. We wish better for our students and we wish better for our community.”

— Matt Fisher, Grand Island Public Schools Superintendent (wowt.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with video or details to contact them.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for schools, students, and communities to find constructive ways to address sensitive political issues and engage in respectful dialogue, rather than resorting to violence. It underscores the importance of fostering an environment where students' rights to free expression can be balanced with maintaining public safety and order.