The rising political tension in the United States surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the adolescent uproar of social media have collided. In January 2026, the deaths of American citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good caused by ICE and the United States Border and Customs Protection (CBP), along with President Trump’s heavy immigration enforcement in the streets of Minnesota have sparked major protests and riots. American high school students around the nation are speaking out against ICE’s aggressive enforcement through school protests and walkouts.
“President Trump’s commonsense immigration enforcement policies are delivering the public safety results the American people demanded, with more than 4,000 dangerous criminal illegal aliens already arrested in Minnesota since Operation Metro began,” quotes White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. However, many Americans’ response to recent ICE enforcement has been negative, which sparked a nationwide high school walkout that took place on Friday, January 30th.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, students from over eight schools in Salt Lake County participated in the walkout. Photographs taken in Fort Worth, Texas show students protesting with signs that say “Fight ignorance, not immigrants” and “Immigrants, not criminals” (Fort Worth Star). Even schools around the Grand Valley, including Palisade, participated.
Junior Barrett Evanoff was a proud participant in the Palisade High School walkout. During his morning classes, Evanoff spoke with other PHS students, encouraging them to join him. Evanoff states that at around 11:00 a.m, students gathered in front of the school and marched to downtown Palisade, holding their signs.
“We have to remember that we are heard. The more people that choose to mobilize themselves and choose to use that First Amendment, the bigger difference we’ll make. If people don’t choose to ban together as a country… I feel like we won’t make progress,” quotes Evanoff.
Senior Killian Romashchenko, a participant, states why he joined the protestors. “I was in attendance also because I don’t like what ICE is doing in this country… I support the movement, I support the cause.” When asked why he believed it was important to utilize the First Amendment, Romashchenko shared a personal anecdote. “I have family in other countries, countries like Russia, where the First Amendment is completely unheard of in any capacity. What often gets lost on Americans is that it’s a really special, unique, important thing.”
If you are interested in America’s political climate or discussing current events, Palisade offers many clubs and organizations to share your thoughts, or don’t be afraid to start your own. Our school’s staff, administration, and resource officers are here to help you.
