Trojans protest ICE at school-wide walkout

CVHS students participated in a walkout Friday, Jan. 30, to protest the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), joining a broader nationwide day of protest and economic blackout. 

The student-organized walkout began at noon and was promoted through Instagram. Three students were at the helm of the account, including juniors Catalina Gonzalez-Palafox, Xochitl Contreras, and Samantha Jauregui. It coincided with an economic blackout organized by the 50101 protest, which called on people across the country to strike from school, work, and avoid spending money for the day.

Some estimated that more than 1,000 students participated. School officials reported around 400 student absences earlier in the day. After the walkout began, the number of absences rose to more than 1,400 by the end of the school day.

Students exited campus through the gate between the 600 and 700 halls and gathered at the “Peace Corner” at Redwood Road and Castro Valley Boulevard. Many carried handmade signs with anti-ICE slogans, while others displayed flags from Mexico and other Latin American countries. Some students brought speakers and played music during the demonstration. 

CVHS senior Annice Ma said her participation was motivated by her family background. “I’m a child of an immigrant and I believe that no individual or family should be torn apart or supported without being given a chance at a better life or better opportunities,” Ma said.

The turnout filled all four corners of the intersection. Middle school students from Canyon and Creekside also joined the protest alongside the high school students. At times, students were seen running across streets or moving through traffic. School faculty members and sheriffs were present to monitor the area.

Hope Hudson, a senior at CVHS, said she hoped the protest would encourage community engagement and political action. She said she wanted “people to connect with each other and realize that it’s not weird to protest,” and to show elected officials that students oppose funding for ICE. 

Some demonstrators marched along surrounding streets, including toward the freeway entrance and farther down Castro Valley Boulevard. The protest atmosphere was energetic, with many students expressing enthusiasm about participating and willingness to be interviewed. 

Senior Nate Baranda thanked community members for their support. “Even if you’re not out here, it’s still good to know about what’s happening with ICE,” Baranda said.