Utah Schools Concerned Over Continued Student Protests on Immigration

Officials warn of safety risks and lost instructional time as students walk out of classes to demonstrate

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Amid ongoing student protests in Utah against the federal immigration crackdown, school officials around the state are expressing concerns about the potential educational impact and safety risks. Representatives from the Granite, Salt Lake City, and Ogden school districts have messaged parents, warning them about the negative repercussions of demonstrating during school hours. While respecting students' right to peacefully protest, officials are urging them to do so outside of school time to avoid missed class time and confrontations with others.

Why it matters

The student protests reflect the broader political tensions around immigration policy in the U.S. and the desire of young people to make their voices heard. However, school officials are worried that the walkouts are disrupting the educational process and creating safety concerns, especially with students marching along busy streets. There are also concerns that some students may be using the protests as an excuse to skip class.

The details

Hundreds of students from at least 15 Utah schools have walked out of classes in recent weeks to protest the federal immigration crackdown and policies of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The demonstrations have involved students marching in the streets with signs and chanting slogans. School officials have warned about the risks of students being struck by vehicles or getting into conflicts with others who may try to provoke the protesters. They have also noted the negative impact on students' education due to missed class time.

  • On Friday, students from multiple Utah schools, including Murray High, Hillcrest Junior High, Taylorsville High, Corner Canyon High, Granger High, West High, East High, and Highland High, participated in walkouts and protests.
  • Earlier in the week and in the last week of January, students from other Utah schools also staged walkouts and protests against the immigration policies.

The players

Granite, Salt Lake City, and Ogden School Districts

School districts in Utah that have messaged parents warning about the potential negative impacts of student protests during school hours.

Jer Bates

Spokesman for the Ogden School District, who expressed concerns that some students may be using the protests as an excuse to skip class.

Rich Stowell

Spokesman for the Alpine School District in Utah County, who said that while the district recognizes students' passions on the issue, they would prefer students remain in class to continue learning.

Yándary Chatwin

Spokeswoman for the Salt Lake City School District, who acknowledged the district's respect for students' First Amendment rights while also noting the negative impact of missed class time on their education.

Alice Trentelman

A West High School sophomore who participated in the protests against ICE in Salt Lake City.

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The takeaway

The student protests highlight the ongoing tensions around immigration policy in the U.S. and the desire of young people to make their voices heard. However, school officials are concerned about the potential educational and safety impacts of these walkouts, underscoring the need to find ways for students to engage in civic activism without disrupting their schooling.