Hundreds of North Side high school students walked out of their classrooms on Monday afternoon.
The massive group gathered at River Park to hold a unified rally against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Students from Amundsen, Mather, Roosevelt, and Northside College Prep all participated in the organized protest.
The young activists described the event as a “bold act of resistance” against federal immigration crackdowns.
Many participants shared that they and their families have been living in constant fear of deportation.
Just after noon, students marched out of their school doors in a coordinated effort that spanned multiple campuses.
The movement even reached the suburbs, where students at Streamwood High School also walked out of class.
Nearly a dozen students took turns at the microphone to share personal stories of how federal agents affect their lives.
The protesters referenced recent deaths of American citizens involving federal agents in other cities.
Several students used the platform to call for the total abolition of ICE.
They argued that the agency does not abide by the Constitution and targets minority communities unfairly.
The rally lasted for more than two hours, filled with chants and demands for political change.
For many of the older students, the next step in their activism will happen at the voting booth.
Those who have reached the age of 18 expressed their intent to vote in the upcoming March 17 primary election.
Recent History
This walkout follows a long string of immigration-related tensions throughout Chicago’s North Side.
River Park and the surrounding Albany Park and North Park areas have historically been hubs for immigrant families.
In recent years, these neighborhoods have seen increased “Know Your Rights” seminars hosted by local churches.
Chicago remains a “Sanctuary City,” but students claim federal presence still creates a “climate of fear” in their hallways.
Similar walkouts occurred in 2023 when students protested the lack of resources for newly arrived asylum seekers.
The North Side has become a focal point for student activism due to its high concentration of diverse, multi-ethnic high schools.
Local community leaders note that student-led protests in Chicago have a history of influencing city-wide policy debates.
This specific rally at River Park marks one of the largest unified youth protests against ICE in the neighborhood’s recent history.
