HOUSTON – Students at several Houston-area high schools planned a student-led walkout Friday to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, according to information shared by students and community organizers.
The walkouts took place during school hours, with most occurring around lunchtime. In several cases, students planned to leave campus and walk to nearby shopping centers or public gathering areas.
As walkouts spread, school districts across the Houston area are making clear they do not support demonstrations during instructional time, while emphasizing student safety and campus security.
So far, Houston-area districts have emphasized a consistent message: while student expression is protected, walkouts during instructional hours are not permitted, and disciplinary consequences may follow. KPRC’s Re’Chelle Turner went to Elsik High School in Alief and spoke to students.
“Well, we are a school full of immigrants. Everywhere is full of immigrants. Immigrants make America great,” one student said.
“Being human isn’t criminal. Be a human is something that you should not be worried about. Being brown is not something you should be worried about,” another student said.
For many students, this was about being heard—even if the district warned them it could mean being marked absent.
“Whatever they’re going to punish us with I say bring it on,” one student said.
Turner also went to a protest at Cypress Falls High School. Students marched along West Road near Highway 6—some holding signs, others riding in the backs of trucks.
“You got families being ripped apart. It’s horrible to see. It’s devastating. And I hate for our country to go to this level, but it has. Us high schoolers are doing more than the adults do,” one senior student said.
The Texas Education Agency says student walkouts are not protected from consequences—students are counted absent, teachers who facilitate walkouts could face discipline, and districts that allow them could face sanctions.
Spring ISD
- Westfield High School
Students plan to begin their walkout at noon. The group is expected to walk from the school at 16713 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77090, to the nearest CVS located at 1325 FM 1960 Rd. W., Houston, TX 77090.
Pearland ISD
Students at multiple Pearland ISD campuses are planning to participate, including:
- Dawson High School
- Turner High School
- Pearland High School
Specific times and walkout routes may vary by campus.
Conroe ISD
The following Conroe ISD high schools are expected to participate:
- The Woodlands High School
- Grand Oaks High School
- Oak Ridge High School
Most walkouts are anticipated to occur during lunch periods.
Humble ISD
Students across several Humble ISD campuses are planning to take part in the protest. According to students, walkout times will differ by school, though many are expected around lunchtime.
In some cases, students say they plan to walk to nearby shopping centers or town centers to demonstrate.
District officials across the region have not announced whether the walkouts will be excused or how attendance will be handled. Parents are encouraged to check directly with their child’s school for guidance.
This story will be updated as additional schools confirm participation or as districts release more information.