Williamsburg-area students join in walkouts against ICE

Both Lafayette and Warhill high schools took part in peaceful student-led protests on Tuesday.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Hundreds of students from two Williamsburg-area high schools walked out of classes on Tuesday to protest federal immigration activities. The brief, peaceful protests were part of an effort by students across the state to raise awareness of what organizers say are increasingly hostile actions against immigrants in the United States.

Why it matters

The student-led walkouts reflect growing concerns among young people about immigration policies and enforcement, and demonstrate their willingness to take action and make their voices heard on political issues.

The details

On Tuesday, students from Lafayette and Warhill high schools took part in the walkouts, while students from Jamestown High plan to walk out on Wednesday. Students in Suffolk also held a walk-out on Tuesday. The protests were organized by students to raise awareness about what they see as increasingly hostile actions against immigrants in the U.S.

  • On Tuesday, students from Lafayette and Warhill high schools took part in the walkouts.
  • On Wednesday, students from Jamestown High plan to walk out.
  • On Tuesday, students in Suffolk also held a walk-out.

The players

Lafayette High School

A high school in the Williamsburg area where more than 250 students took part in the walkout.

Warhill High School

A high school in the Williamsburg area where students took part in the walkout.

Jamestown High School

A high school in the Williamsburg area where students plan to walk out on Wednesday.

Howard Townsend

The principal of Lafayette High School, who said the school wanted to 'make sure they are supported' in expressing their views.

Michele Newcomb

The principal of Warhill High School, who said the school division does not sanction or endorse the walkout, but recognizes the students' right to peacefully express their opinions.

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What they’re saying

“Students leading this effort have shared their plans with school administrators, and we will continue to work with them to ensure that the walkout is safe and orderly for participants and non-participants.”

— Michele Newcomb, Principal, Warhill High School (Email to Warhill High families)

What’s next

Students from Jamestown High School plan to walk out on Wednesday to continue the protests against federal immigration activities.

The takeaway

The student-led walkouts in the Williamsburg area reflect a growing movement among young people to take action and make their voices heard on political issues, particularly around immigration policies and enforcement.