Hundreds of Northwest students filed out of class onto the football field on Tuesday, Feb. 17th, at 1 pm, to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This protest, organized by juniors Tiffany Silva and Alexa Bern, began on the football field but turned into a march down 67th street to Quivera. This follows a trend of Shawnee Mission schools participating in walkouts against ICE. Today, students at Shawnee Mission East hosted a walkout and Shawnee Mission North and Shawnee Mission West also held protests over the last couple weeks
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These are in response to policies and orders made by President Trump that students believe target and attack immigrants.
“I care very deeply about this topic and believe no one should be taken off of land that wasn’t even theirs in the first place,” freshman Ava Conley said.
Students expressed surprise about the outcome of the protest, stating they expected even fewer than 50 to show up.
“Word spreads,” athletic director Dr. Heath Wilson said. “If you’re passionate about the topic, then it’s your right to do those things. Kids having a voice is always good. They’re safe, and that’s all we really care about.”
Some students were spotted running through the streets, kicking around glass bottles, cans and dry leaves. One was lying on the hood of a car, while his friend sped down 67th Street. People shouted “vamos” as honking cars passed, and students carried portable speakers blasting Bad Bunny.
According to Wilson, more students were seen leaving campus today than during a student-organized protest against gun violence that took place last fall.
Some students at the walkout spoke about a fear of losing parents, siblings and close friends each day.
Silva said she got a call from her friend last weekend that ICE agents were right outside Oak Park Mall, when she and her family were in the food court.
“I felt my heart drop,” Silva said. “If anything were to happen, I’d be responsible for my brother. He’s 11. I’m about to turn 18. That’s why I always keep our ID’s on us. Any form of ID you can think of. In my phone case. In my backpack.”
According to local media, multiple potential ICE sightings have been reported in Olathe this month.
Another protest against ICE is scheduled for Feb. 26 at noon. More information on the location, mission and route is posted under @smnw.iceout, an Instagram account that currently has 57 followers and six posts.
