Cleveland Heights High Students Walk Out to Protest ICE Policies

Hundreds of students rally in support of immigrant families affected by enforcement actions and policy changes.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Several hundred students at Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio walked out of class on Thursday afternoon to hold a 45-minute rally protesting federal immigration enforcement policies. The student-organized demonstration featured chants, signs, and personal speeches describing the fear and uncertainty many immigrant families face. Organizers said the school's diversity motivated the walkout, and speakers urged the crowd to see the issue in human, not political, terms.

Why it matters

The walkout reflects growing activism among high school students on immigration issues, as they seek to show solidarity with classmates and community members impacted by ICE actions and changes to Temporary Protected Status. The protest also highlights the diverse makeup of the Cleveland Heights High School student body and their desire to advocate for the rights and dignity of immigrant families.

The details

The peaceful rally was organized by sophomore Emmanuel Gutierrez, who told the crowd that 'fear should not be part of a student's education' and that 'no one should live in a place for years and still be told they do not belong.' Several speakers shared personal experiences related to immigration enforcement, describing the uncertainty many feel as policy debates continue nationally. Students held signs calling for dignity, safety, and stability for immigrant families, and linked arms as speakers talked about the ways immigration policies impact their classmates, neighbors, and friends.

  • The walkout took place on Thursday afternoon, February 12, 2026.

The players

Emmanuel Gutierrez

A sophomore at Cleveland Heights High School who organized the student walkout to protest ICE policies and show support for immigrant families.

Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District

The school district that worked with student organizers to ensure the walkout event proceeded safely and orderly, while prioritizing the education of Cleveland Heights High School students.

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What they’re saying

“We are out here today because fear should not be part of a student's education. No one should live in a place for years and still be told they do not belong.”

— Emmanuel Gutierrez, Organizer of the student walkout (cleveland.com)

“We're not numbers. We're not cases. We are all human beings. This is not about politics anymore. This is about humanity.”

— Emmanuel Gutierrez, Organizer of the student walkout (cleveland.com)

“Families deserve dignity. A child is a child, no matter where they were born.”

— Emmanuel Gutierrez, Organizer of the student walkout (cleveland.com)

What’s next

School district officials said they will continue working with student organizers to address their concerns about immigration policies and their impact on the school community.

The takeaway

The Cleveland Heights High School walkout demonstrates the growing activism and advocacy among diverse student populations who are using their voices to stand up for the rights and dignity of immigrant families in their communities. This protest reflects a broader trend of young people engaging in civic action on issues that directly affect their peers and loved ones.