South Carolina Woman Charged for Encouraging Student Anti-ICE Protest

Dinah Marie Chollet, a local restaurant owner, faces charges for contributing to the delinquency of minors after joining a private student group chat about an upcoming walkout.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A 44-year-old South Carolina woman has been arrested and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor after she allegedly encouraged high school students to participate in an upcoming walkout protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Dinah Marie Chollet, who co-owns a local restaurant, briefly joined a private student group chat about the planned protest and expressed support for the students' actions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the role of adults in encouraging student activism, especially when it involves potential disruption of the school day. It also raises questions about the boundaries between free speech, civic engagement, and alleged criminal behavior.

The details

According to police, a student at Summerville High School alerted a school resource officer on February 9 about a planned protest against ICE set for February 20. Authorities monitored the private student group chat and identified Chollet as an adult who had joined the conversation late on February 10. Chollet, using her restaurant's Instagram account, expressed pride in the students and indicated that a "group of us" would be participating in the walkout. Police claim Chollet's involvement as a "prominent business owner" could influence the students to engage in disruptive or violent behavior.

  • On February 9, a student alerted a school resource officer about a planned protest against ICE on February 20.
  • On February 10, police monitored the private student group chat and identified Dinah Marie Chollet as an adult who had joined the conversation.
  • On February 13, Chollet acknowledged briefly joining the group chat in a Facebook post, saying she told students she was proud of them and directed them to a post about threats they had received.
  • On February 18, Chollet was arrested and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
  • Chollet's initial court appearance is scheduled for April 14.

The players

Dinah Marie Chollet

A 44-year-old South Carolina restaurateur who co-owns The Knot Burger Pub in Summerville. She was arrested and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor after allegedly encouraging high school students to participate in an anti-ICE walkout.

Summerville High School

The high school where the planned anti-ICE walkout was set to take place on February 20.

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What they’re saying

“When I joined, I told them I was proud of them for using their voices. I let them know we had their backs, and I directed them to a post that outlined the threats that had been made toward them so they would be aware and stay safe. After that, I left the chat. That's it.”

— Dinah Marie Chollet, Co-owner, The Knot Burger Pub (Facebook)

“Melt ICE and join us!”

— Dinah Marie Chollet (Facebook)

What’s next

Chollet's initial court appearance is scheduled for April 14, where a judge will determine if she will face further legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding student activism, the role of adults in encouraging or discouraging such activism, and the potential legal consequences when those lines are crossed. It underscores the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the need for clear guidelines on the boundaries of free speech and civic engagement, especially when it involves minors.