Pendleton High Students Protest ICE Actions in School Walkout

Around 20 students left class to demonstrate against immigration enforcement policies.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:00am

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A group of about 20 students at Pendleton High School in Oregon walked out of class on March 13, 2026 to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions across the country. The student-led protest featured signs, chants, and an upside-down U.S. flag. Organizer William Larson, a 15-year-old sophomore, said he wanted to create a chance for young people to demonstrate their beliefs and raise awareness about government actions.

Why it matters

The protest highlights growing political activism among high school students who are concerned about immigration enforcement policies and want to make their voices heard, even if they are not yet of voting age. The walkout also reflects broader debates around the role of ICE and whether its practices unfairly target certain communities.

The details

The peaceful protest started at Pendleton High School, crossed the Umatilla River, and ended in front of City Hall. Protesters carried signs and an "Abolish ICE" flag. Sophomore William Larson organized the walkout, saying he has been following politics since the 2020 election and recent ICE actions prompted him to take action. The school principal said participating students would receive unexcused absences, noting the district remains "content-neutral" on protests but manages events to ensure student safety.

  • The protest took place on March 13, 2026 during the school's fifth period.
  • The walkout started at Pendleton High School and ended in front of City Hall.

The players

William Larson

A 15-year-old sophomore at Pendleton High School who organized the protest against ICE actions.

Patrick Dutcher

The principal of Pendleton High School, who said participating students would receive unexcused absences.

Ethan Hawker

A 15-year-old freshman at Pendleton High School who helped with the protest because he wanted to show students they have a voice.

Ash Tipton

A senior at Pendleton High School who joined the protest to show care for loved ones who could be affected by stricter immigration practices.

Ray Estock

A senior at Pendleton High School who joined the protest because "they're going after American people" and the issue is important.

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What they’re saying

“We're all equal. If one person is being targeted, we're all being targeted.”

— William Larson, Protest Organizer

“I hope that people in Pendleton try to become more aware of what's happening with their government. I think it is more than important that people under 18 have just as much of a voice in what their government is doing as people who are legally an adult.”

— William Larson, Protest Organizer

“I want people to be able to live, to have better opportunities for themselves, and be able to exist and not need to be scared to just live because of the color of their skin or their ethnicity.”

— Ethan Hawker, Freshman Protester

What’s next

The school district said it will review its policies around student protests and absences following the walkout.

The takeaway

This protest reflects growing political activism among high school students who are using their voices to advocate for causes they care about, even if they are not yet old enough to vote. It highlights the challenges schools face in balancing students' free speech rights with maintaining order and safety.