Middle School ICE Protest

In early December, “Operation Metro Surge”, a months-long immigration enforcement operation, began in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. On January 22, Blake Middle School students organized a walkout during tutorial to protest the severity of ICE officers’ actions in Minneapolis. The protest was organized by Ro Amador Fitzgerald, Rowan Lorenz, Nora Rudlang, Jonah Anderson, Andre Blanco, Henry Horvitz, and more.

The walkout started with a speech from 8th graders, and primary organizers, Ro Amador Fitzgerald and Rowan Lorenz. The speech included the motives behind the walkout and logistics. Protesters then started cheering as they walked down the path, crossed the street, and went to the track. As they walked, they made comparisons between the ice they were walking on and the ICE they were protesting. Teachers, Ms. Cochran, Ms. Green, Ms. BA, Ms. Gandossy, and Ferguson, followed close behind. When everyone got to the track, Rowan and Ro read a script that explained what had happened, why it mattered, and why it was important for students to protest and raise their voices, and spread hope. As the protest went on, students got cold and went inside. At the end, the remaining students were called to do a lap around the track.

Even with the frigid temperatures, around 116 students and teachers trudged outside to attend the walkout. Signs like “MN is cold enough - no more ICE”, “Ice out for good,” and “I like my ice crushed” were created by students. At the end, protesters stuck them in the fence for passing cars to view. Protesters were expressing how they felt about the situation through speech, chants, signs, and actions. As students talked and protested together, the tone filled with anger, yet was civil and respectful.

“This protest is good for showing our support for people. [It’s a] great way for our school to show support.”- Hank VB

People wore buttons made by Tabitha Walvig. She said the flower coming from the snow represents hope. Protesters rallied together and chanted phrases like, “Hey hey, ho ho, ICE has got to go” and “More justice, more peace, no ICE on our streets”. These chants all provided a sense of unity between all the middle school students and teachers, and showed how they all came out to stand up for their city. No matter your political view, this ICE walkout was an amazing experience to come together and protest what was wrong.

Interview with one of the organizers:

What was the whole process of setting up the walkout like? How did you get the idea? Who did you have to talk to to make it happen?

We held meetings in Ms. Buchanan's office to plan it out, and usually talked with Ms. Fergusan and Ms. Buchanan. We were inspired by the countless other schools that were doing it, and the National Walkout Day. Ms. Buchanan and Ms. Ferguson brought our ideas to the higher-ups, and they were able to get permission.

What did you think of the turn out? Are you proud of how it turned out? What did you expect?

The turnout was really good and we were proud of how many people showed up.

What events specifically drove your interest for the walkout?

The horrible things that ICE did to our people, our community in particular, really drove us to want to make a difference or stand up for what was right. Especially the murder of Renee Good made us feel angry, hurt, and wanting to make a change.

What was the main purpose you wanted this event to have? What was the outcome you wanted?

We wanted this event to show how we all can come together as a community in times of trouble and support each other, regardless of if other cars or people see our protest.