McKinley High Students Protest Against ICE

Walkout demonstration held in Canton, Ohio against federal immigration enforcement agency

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Students from McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio left school on February 20th and gathered in Central Plaza to protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The student-led demonstration was part of a growing movement among young people to voice opposition to the federal immigration agency's policies and practices.

Why it matters

The protest by McKinley High students reflects broader concerns among youth about immigration enforcement and the treatment of immigrant communities. As the children of immigrants or immigrants themselves, many students feel a personal stake in these issues and are using their voices to advocate for change.

The details

Around 200 McKinley High students participated in the walkout and rally in downtown Canton. Organizers said the goal was to raise awareness about ICE's activities and call for the agency to be abolished. Students carried signs with slogans like "Abolish ICE" and "No one is illegal." The demonstration was peaceful, with local police monitoring the event.

  • The protest took place on February 20, 2026.

The players

McKinley High School

A public high school located in Canton, Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“We won't be silent about the harm ICE is causing in our communities. This is just the beginning of our fight.”

— Samantha Rodriguez, McKinley High School student organizer (local media)

What’s next

The student organizers say they plan to continue advocating against ICE through additional protests and lobbying local officials.

The takeaway

The McKinley High School protest reflects the growing activism of young people on immigration issues, as they seek to hold the government accountable and push for reforms to the immigration system.