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Science Hill High School students protest ICE during walkout
Students left class to demonstrate against Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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On Friday afternoon, students at Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tennessee participated in a walkout to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Parents, community members, and passersby witnessed the students using their voices and displaying signs to voice their opposition to ICE. The school district acknowledged the students' right to peaceful expression but stated that leaving class without authorization would result in disciplinary action.
Why it matters
The student walkout reflects growing concerns and activism among young people regarding immigration enforcement policies. The protest highlights the willingness of high school students to take a stand on political issues, even if it means facing potential consequences from their school.
The details
Freshman Aliana Moreno stood across the street from the school to protest, as she would have faced trouble if she had joined the demonstration on school grounds. Josiah Engle, a father and member of the Indivisible Tri-Cities group, showed his support for the students by standing across the street. He praised the students' courage in standing up for their beliefs and said he was proud to see young people exercising their democratic rights.
- The walkout took place on Friday afternoon.
The players
Aliana Moreno
A freshman at Science Hill High School who protested ICE from across the street, as she would have faced consequences if she had joined the demonstration on school grounds.
Josiah Engle
A father and member of the Indivisible Tri-Cities group who stood across the street to show his support for the student protesters.
Johnson City Schools
The school district that acknowledged the students' right to peaceful expression but stated that leaving class without authorization would result in disciplinary action.
What they’re saying
“I'm very proud. I'm very proud because these are the kids I go to school with, and they're not afraid to speak up and defend what they believe in.”
— Aliana Moreno, Freshman at Science Hill High School (WJHL)
“They know what they're getting into; they've been told that if they do walk out, there could be some consequences as long as they're willing to face up to those consequences. I don't think there's anybody who's going to do anything to disturb that or make a big deal about it. So you accept your consequences, but you do stand up for more by taking those consequences and taking a risk.”
— Josiah Engle, Father and member of Indivisible Tri-Cities group (WJHL)
What’s next
The school district stated that students who chose to leave campus would be subject to discipline in accordance with district policy.
The takeaway
The student walkout at Science Hill High School demonstrates the growing willingness of young people to take a stand on political issues, even if it means facing potential consequences. This protest highlights the ongoing debate around immigration enforcement and the role of student activism in shaping these discussions.
