Seattle Students Walk Out to Protest ICE and Immigration Injustice

Growing anger and unity as students demand justice for immigrant communities and call for ICE's dismantling.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Hundreds of students from schools across the Seattle Public School district walked out of classes and gathered at the corner of Fourth Avenue and James Street in front of City Hall to protest against the Trump administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), demanding justice for immigrant communities and calling for the agency to be dismantled.

Why it matters

The protest reflects growing anger across the country at ICE's continued presence in major cities, allegations of due process violations, and the killing of American citizens. As mass demonstrations continue nationwide, student voices in Seattle added to the chorus demanding change.

The details

The walkout was organized by Ice Out Seattle Schools and led by GHS United Nations, a student coalition representing clubs and communities across backgrounds at Garfield High School. Students from Garfield, Lakeside, Rainier Beach and Blanchet high schools, along with others throughout the district, filled the streets in a coordinated demonstration. The rally at City Hall followed two earlier walkouts, one of which was also coordinated by GHS UN. Student organizers said the walkout aimed to pressure elected officials to defund ICE and to show immigrant classmates that they are not alone.

  • The protest took place on February 5, 2026.

The players

Kian Naeemi

A senior at Garfield High School who said the effort goes beyond protest and into direct support, with students working to materially support Garfield's large immigrant community.

Robert Kettle

A Seattle City Councilmember who attended the protest in support, stating that the action taken by students was not only courageous but critical in affirming the basic rights and safety of young people throughout Seattle.

Charlotte

A junior at Blanchet High School who described the protest as a moral imperative, saying that the idea of not standing up for people when given the opportunity makes her feel sick.

Isabella

A junior at Blanchet High School who said that people are seen as aliens, and nobody is ever illegal on land that has been stolen right out from under them, and that people's rights are being violated.

Maya

A senior at Rainier Beach High School who emphasized the power of public demonstrations to build unity and awareness, stating that the protest shows that the community cares and wants ICE gone.

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What they’re saying

“This demonstration is paired with action. For example, students are working to materially support Garfield's large immigrant community, collecting food for Fundación Corazon, so that Garfield's large immigrant community is materially supported.”

— Kian Naeemi, Garfield High School senior (Seattle Medium)

“I think it's important for our students to feel safe, whether it's related to issues that are impacting our community from federal law enforcement, but even in our streets and our bus stops. That we saw last week, with the killing of two students. You know, I think we have to do better for our city to ensure that we have that safe base in our city to include for our students.”

— Robert Kettle, Seattle City Councilmember (Seattle Medium)

“I think that looking back years from now, just the idea of not doing anything or standing up for people, when we have the opportunity, we have the rights to stand up for people who can't. I think the idea of not doing that and not taking that opportunity, it makes me feel sick. So, um, yeah, just, like, do whatever you can, in whatever way you can, because otherwise you regret it for rest of your life.”

— Charlotte, Blanchet High School junior (Seattle Medium)

“People are seen as aliens, and nobody is ever illegal on land that has been stolen right out from under them. Our rights are not to be violated, and right now, people's rights are being violated. People don't even feel safe in their own homes. People are worried about their kids being taken from them.”

— Isabella, Blanchet High School junior (Seattle Medium)

“I think events like this are important because one, they show community. They show that we're all here and we care and this is important, whether you're white, Black, Hispanic, whatever, this shows that you care and you want ICE gone and I think that that's really important. It sends a message. People out here, seeing cars driving by, people see flyers. I think it's just important to bring awareness and to bring the community together for things like this.”

— Maya, Rainier Beach High School senior (Seattle Medium)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the growing anger and unity among Seattle's student population against ICE's presence and the injustices faced by immigrant communities. The demonstration showcases the power of youth activism in driving change and raising awareness on critical social and political issues.