With hand-made signs raised high and voices echoing down Platt Avenue, over a thousand students streamed outside of school to support an organized walkout protesting the unjust actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Feb. 6.
“The purpose of the walkout was to send a message that young people are not okay with the current United States (U.S.) policy of aggressively hunting and profiling undocumented people in the United States which has led to multiple deaths and conflicts,” social studies teacher Albert Vazquez said. “[It showed] that the up and coming generation isn’t going to tolerate these policies that blatantly target people whose only crime is not having a social security number.”
The walkout against ICE was a preorganized protest planned by students at school to speak out against the agency’s inhumane treatment towards people, including both those that are undocumented and those that are citizens. Less than 14% of people detained by ICE actually had violent criminal records, with 40% having no criminal record at all, despite President Donald Trump and his aides’ emphasis on ICE detaining people with violent charges or convictions. By walking out of class, students demonstrated their support for the people in their community affected by ICE.
“[We wanted] to show that we don’t approve of what ICE is doing,” senior Olive Sanders said. “[The walkout] was about doing something. As teenagers, it can feel like we don’t have a
lot of power, so organizing and participating in something like this shows that we can do more than we sometimes feel we can.”
Updates regarding the student led walkout spread over social media and through word of mouth. Many students reposted information via Instagram, such as instructions to leave after first period, represent their culture, carry signs and, most importantly, bring their support.
“[The walkout] was student-led,” Sanders said. “We organized it ourselves. We walked out together. Seeing so many people show up and take time out of their day was powerful. I felt proud that people showed up, even if they felt nervous or uncomfortable, and still chose to use their voices and their rights.”
Despite some students’ hesitation to walkout, especially with concerns about unexcused absences being used against them, many students referenced Senate Bill 955, an amend to Education Code Section 48205, legally giving them the right to one excused absence each year for their involvement in a civic or political event as long as they notify the school. With administration’s knowledge of many students engaging in the walkout, school police followed students throughout their walk, ensuring their safety while allowing them to express their voices.
“[Some] students were also hesitant because they didn’t want to walk several miles, but once we actually got out there, people just started walking,” Sanders said. “There were so many students participating. Seeing how many showed up made me really proud of our school.”
About 70-75% of students walked out of class and participated in the walkout. While some didn’t initially plan to walk the planned route, after they saw all the support for the cause, they
followed along. Hundreds of students walked down Platt Avenue and Victory Boulevard, making their way through the Fallbrook Shopping Center and Topanga Mall. As they protested down main streets, they chanted and held home-made signs while cars honked in support.
“I wanted to make sure that I got the full story by recording everything,” freshman Charles Cruz said. “My friends [and I] made a little documentary [of the walkout]. I also do support the cause so I was there protesting, and I helped [with] some of the chants too.”
In addition to walking out, many students made their own signs with creative messages, and brought cameras to photograph and record the moment. Many posted photos and videos
they created on social media to reach an even greater audience.
“The walkout tells us that young people aren’t believing the propaganda that [all immigrants] are murderers and rapists, and they’re willing to stand up for members of their community,”
Vazquez said. “Hopefully, it told elected officials that all these young people who will be eligible to vote soon are going to demand different policies.”
With many students too young to vote and fully engage in politics, participating in the walkout served an empowering moment to stand for their beliefs. Beyond El Camino, many schools across the San Fernando Valley, and even throughout California, also walked out of classes. With the support from all over the region and state, students have been able to make
powerful statements.
“I’m really proud of our students for trying to organize and do something beyond just changing their social media profile picture,” Vazquez said. “I really hope this inspires students to learn more about how the government is supposed to run and that it changes how they consume news.”
With the success of the walkout, students felt more confident in expressing their support for what they believe is just. As many begin to enter new stages of their lives, in early adulthood, the protest served as a learning experience and taught them what it means to be leaders in their communities and to advocate for others.
“[The walkout] opened my eyes and [it] was just so beautiful. Everyone came together and protested peacefully,” Cruz said. “I try to have an open mind, regardless of anyone’s political beliefs. I try to be peaceful, kind and also, not afraid to put my voice up.”
