Students from several Los Angeles Unified School District schools walked out on Wednesday and gathered in Downtown Los Angeles to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids across the country.
The students walked out of their classes in the morning and assembled on the steps of City Hall.
Multiple groups posted on social media to spread the word about the student walkout and gathering in downtown Los Angeles.
LA Student Walkout posted on Instagram, “This walkout is student-led, peaceful and rooted in protecting our right to education and our communities. We’re moving with unity, strategy, and intention for our families and our future.”
These student organizations reached out to BAMN: Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary, to help arrange the protest.
Jose Lagos, a student organizer for BAMN, said, “The students have not disappointed. They’ve been true to really taking action to defend our communities, and that is what we need to do.”
Many students protested on their families’ behalf.
“I come from immigrants,” said Nicole, a junior at Harris Newmark High School. “My parents are immigrants, and it just sucks seeing them scared just for speaking Spanish or the way they look. It’s horrible.”
Ashley, an eighth grader at Horace Mann UCLA Community School, echoed this statement.
“Many parents can’t speak up, and a lot are afraid to go outside,” Ashley said. “For us students … we want to speak for them, even though they can’t.”
Several students made their own signs to communicate their message.
Eric, a senior from Robert F. Kennedy Community School, stood on the steps of City Hall holding his handmade sign.
“They’re taking away our families, trying to take away my family specifically. And I won’t let that stand,” he said.
Students acknowledged the importance of protesting, especially for young people.
“It’s important to protest because as students, we’re going to be the future of our country,” said Jose, a senior at Miguel Contreras Learning Complex.
“If we start now,” he said, “we’re able to define our country and leave stuff for our kids to have a better future.”
Last names have been removed from this article because the students involved are minors.