Hundreds of students from Seattle Public Schools walked out of class and rallied outside City Hall, protesting federal immigration enforcement and showing support for immigrant communities.
Youth from Garfield, Lakeside, Rainier Beach, Blanchet and other high schools filled the intersection at Fourth Avenue and James Street, waving signs and using whistles, megaphones and chants to call attention to their demands. The protest was aimed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Organized by Ice Out Seattle Schools, the walkout brought students together from across the city. Garfield’s GHS United Nations, a coalition of club leaders and students from diverse backgrounds, led efforts at the school level. The event marked the third protest of its kind this year, with a previous walkout also led by GHS UN.
Organizers said the protest was driven by recent events in Minneapolis and a desire to show elected officials that young people are paying attention and demanding change.
According to Garfield senior Kian Naeemi, the walkout was more than a symbolic gesture.
“This demonstration is paired with action,” said Naeemi. “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.”
Seattle City Councilmember Robert Kettle, who attended the protest, said the students’ message is especially important at a time when safety and justice feel uncertain.
“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,” said Kettle. “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.”
Isabella, a junior at Blanchet High School, described the protest as deeply personal and rooted in broader struggles over human rights and belonging.
“This is a subject that has always been important to me,” said Isabella. “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.”
Maya, a senior at Rainier Beach High School, said the event’s strength came from the diversity and unity of those involved.
“I think events like this are important because, one, they show community,” said Maya. “They show that we’re all here and we care. Whether you’re white, Black, Hispanic, whatever, this shows that you care and you want ICE gone. I think it’s just important to bring awareness and to bring the community together for things like this.”