On Tuesday January 20th, dozens of students at Atherton high school participated in a peaceful walkout to raise awareness about ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The walkout began right before 6th period, and lasted until the end of the school day.

Many students held handmade signs with messages such as “human rights are not an argument” and “we are skipping our lessons to teach you one.” Others chanted or honked their car horns to honor families who have been separated.

“My neighbors, my friends, my loved ones, and my family members are immigrants or impacted by ICE. If I don’t come out here in support of them during these hard teams, I’d feel like I’m abandoning them.” said Danny Hazelip (12).

Atherton’s AP’s helped monitor the walkout but emphasized that while students have the right to express their views, attendance policies would still apply.

Jaxzier Cruz (10), a student who said the issue of immigration hit close to home, shared his personal connection to the cause.

“I’ve been taken away from my own family as a child , so I know what it’s like for families to be spread apart.”

For Cruz, the walkout served as a way to speak out for families who may not have the opportunity to share their stories. He said events like this help bring awareness to issues that are more than just political debate.

Other students are scared their families will be taken away. Anna Elefante explains, “My family’s been scared to leave the house, and though we are legal, we’ve heard stories of legal immigrants getting taken away. It’s just so scary to live in America and be ‘free’ but still having to live in fear everyday.”

Students and staff at Atherton continue to stand with their school community no matter their race, ethnicity, or gender. Students all around JCPS also walkout to show their support for issues larger than themselves.

“I want people in this school to know that if they’re afraid of ICE, people will show up and support them,” said Danny Hazelip.