Students from two west suburban high schools walked out of class Tuesday afternoon, joining a growing movement of young people across the Chicago area protesting federal immigration enforcement policies.
Students from Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South High Schools left their schools around 12:45 p.m. and converged near the downtown train station, chanting “ICE out” and carrying signs calling for change.
The student-led walkout was organized in response to what participants described as dehumanizing tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement both locally and nationwide.
“I support this movement. I support the movement of no ICE,” said Imarie Romero, a senior at Downers Grove North. “I feel like it’s very dehumanizing what they’re doing to people, legal or illegal. I don’t support that at all. And I came here to support everyone here and in our movement to make our voices louder at our school.”
Several students said they were encouraged by the turnout and the support they saw from classmates of different backgrounds.
“I feel like we’re being heard because the message has gone through social media,” Romero said. “It’s gotten on the news. It’s gotten where people can see it — visually and in person as well.”
One of the organizers, 18-year-old senior Alexa Gallardo, said her motivation was deeply personal.
“I have immigrant parents,” Gallardo said. “They gave me everything I needed in life. I’ll be the first one to go to college, and it means a lot to me.”
Gallardo said she was unsure how many students would participate but was overwhelmed by the response.
“I’m so surprised that a lot of people came together as a community and came to show out together,” she said. “I’m very happy how this came out, and I really hope it continues to guide people to speak out and that their voice is heard.”
@nbcchicagoStudents from two west suburban high schools walked out of class this afternoon, joining a growing movement of young people across the Chicago area protesting federal immigration enforcement policies. Tap the ? for details #chicago #downersgrove #protest #immigration #ice
♬ original sound – NBC ChicagoOther students echoed similar sentiments, saying they believe youth voices matter — even if many of them are not yet eligible to vote.
“We are the upcoming voters. We are the upcoming generation. We are the future,” Romero said, adding that she hopes more people will be open-minded about how immigration enforcement affects families and communities.
Student Lilah Poplawski said she joined the walkout to promote compassion.
“Everybody wants to be seen. Everybody wants to be heard,” she said. “And everybody deserves to be.”
Students from both schools said they are aware similar protests have been held at other schools across the Chicago area and around the country — and they hope their actions will help bring about change.
Hundreds of students from schools in northwest suburban Carpentersville also walked out of class Tuesday afternoon to protest ICE operations.
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