Over 300 Virginia students suspended after anti-ICE walkout

Organizers plan county-wide protest in response to the suspensions

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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More than 300 students at Woodbridge High School in Virginia were suspended after staging a student-led walkout to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The walkout prompted a police response, as students left the school grounds. In response, student organizers have announced plans for a county-wide protest on Friday.

Why it matters

The student walkout and subsequent suspensions highlight the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the rights of students to engage in political protest. The planned county-wide protest suggests the issue has struck a chord with a broader group of students who feel compelled to continue demonstrating.

The details

During the initial walkout at Woodbridge High School, principal Heather Abney said students left the building to "express their views on an issue that is important to them." However, since the students did not remain on school grounds, the school district suspended 303 students as of Thursday afternoon. In response, student organizers launched an Instagram account called @pwcs_iceout to promote another walkout on Friday, which they say will be "county wide." The organizers have instructed participants to bring posters, flags and speakers, while cautioning them not to "fight, throw things or cause conflict."

  • The initial walkout occurred on Friday, February 19, 2026.
  • The planned county-wide walkout is scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Heather Abney

Principal of Woodbridge High School.

@pwcs_iceout

An Instagram account allegedly launched by students to promote the county-wide walkout in response to the suspensions.

Prince William County Public Schools

The school district that suspended over 300 students for participating in the initial walkout.

Prince William County Police Department

The law enforcement agency that was called to manage traffic and provide supervision during the initial walkout.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate your partnership as we continue to prioritize student safety while maintaining clear expectations for appropriate conduct during the school day.”

— Heather Abney, Principal, Woodbridge High School (Letter to parents)

“It's time to take a stand and we are grateful to have the opportunity to exercise our constitutional rights.”

— Organizers (Instagram post)

“Peaceful protests are much more powerful as they show that your voice matters, that you stand together, and that the message is about the issue, not conflict.”

— Organizers (Instagram post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the county-wide walkout to proceed.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between students' rights to political expression and schools' concerns about maintaining order and safety. The planned county-wide protest suggests the issue has resonated with a broader group of students, who feel compelled to continue demonstrating despite the suspensions.