Student-Led Walkouts Against ICE Practices Spread Across Arizona
In a growing wave of activism, students across Arizona have staged walkouts to protest against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices. These demonstrations, known as “ICE Outs,” began in approximately 20 high schools throughout the state as of Wednesday.
This movement in Arizona is part of a larger nationwide protest scheduled for Friday, January 30. The campaign is a response to the controversial immigration enforcement tactics and ICE-related fatalities that have sparked public outrage earlier this month. It calls for participants to refrain from attending work and school and avoid shopping on the designated day.
The initiative originated from Somali and Black student groups based in Minneapolis, who are urging students nationwide to join the cause. According to social media posts, a walkout is also planned at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus on Friday.
In Phoenix, a report by The Bulwark highlighted the city as a potential focal point for increased ICE activities. Phoenix police, however, have stated their non-involvement in the aggressive tactics associated with the federal agency.
Despite a declaration by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, which voided an enforcement agreement with ICE, the county’s top prosecutor insists that the agreement is still valid.
The protests coincide with the first anniversary of former President Donald Trump’s return to office, marked by a series of executive orders on immigration, which have reignited debates over issues such as asylum and citizenship.
This month alone, four individuals have been either injured or killed in ICE-related shootings nationwide. Among them was Renee Good, a U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. This incident has fueled further demonstrations, including those in Phoenix, where residents gathered for consecutive nights to voice their disapproval.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has expressed her concerns following reports indicating potential escalation in immigration enforcement operations in Phoenix by the Trump administration.
In the aftermath of the Minnesota shooting, the protests have gained momentum across the country. They continue to draw attention to the contentious practices of ICE and have become a rallying point for those advocating for change in immigration policies.
—
Read More Arizona News
