Student-led protests tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity are growing across the country, and similar actions are now unfolding in the Houston area. Demonstrations seen in major cities over the past several days are reaching local campuses, with another walkout planned at Elkins High School in Fort Bend County.
Authorities say protests increased after two people, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, were killed in separate shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this month. Both were American citizens. In response, organizers across the country called for coordinated action, urging people to avoid work, school, and shopping during a national day of protest tied to concerns about immigration enforcement.
School walkouts and demonstrations followed in several cities, including Minneapolis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City. Student groups played a central role in organizing many of the protests, which were held under banners such as ICE Out and National Shutdown.
That national push has now shown up locally. In Houston, protesters gathered downtown during a City Council meeting as part of an ICE Out demonstration. Additional protests were also planned near the Immigrant Processing Center close to Bush Airport.
Last week, students at Conroe High School organized a walkout during the school day. SKY 2 video showed dozens of students outside campus, some holding signs, after leaving class to protest ICE actions. Organizers said the walkout was intended to raise awareness about immigration enforcement and its impact on families.
Elkins High School walkout planned
Now, students at Elkins High School in Fort Bend County say they plan to walk out of class at 9:15 a.m. Monday. Student organizers say the protest is expected to remain along the public sidewalk outside the campus and stay peaceful.
Students involved say they have been watching protests unfold across the country and feel those conversations have reached their own school. They are calling on Fort Bend ISD to take a stronger position related to student concerns and family safety.
As of Monday morning, Fort Bend ISD had not released a public response regarding the planned walkout. District officials say classes are expected to continue as scheduled while the demonstration takes place outside campus boundaries.