ICE activities continue in Phoenix, Arizona, affecting communities citywide, but for students, it’s raised many emotions and been the constant talk at Thunderbird High School.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal agency, and its main objective is to protect national security and public safety by enforcing federal laws related to border protection, customs, trade, and immigration through both criminal and civil actions. This typically includes detaining, prosecuting, and deporting individuals who are in the country without legal authorization.

As awareness of ICE’s presence and actions has grown, many students have become more involved, wanting to express their concerns and show support to those affected. 

In response, a group of students at school organized a peaceful walkout to protest against President Donald Trump’s leadership and actions connected to ICE, including deaths and harm they believe have resulted from the agency’s actions 

 The walkout took place on Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. when students left their classrooms and gathered in the quad. Some participants created posters and signs, holding them up as everyone marched around the area chanting phrases. A few students also gave speeches, read poems, and shared their opposition to ICE. 

Another walkout took place on Feb. 6 in which students participating met up at the quad at 12:35 pm with posters and other signs, leaving school grounds to protest against ICE again.

Many students expressed appreciation towards the idea of the school walkout. “Our school doing the walkout was very respectful…I’m truly proud of our Titans showing love and support through times like these,” according to Ashley Rivera Delgado, freshman.

The acknowledgement of ICE has led students at school to develop strong perspectives on the issue. Some students have expressed fear towards ICE. “I feel that ICE makes students in our school feel more scared, including me…the way they treat some people they deport, they’re so violent with them for no reason,” according to Zoee Olivas Chavez, freshman. 

“It makes me sad that ICE is such a fear inducing thing in today’s nation where freedom is preached…My family and neighbors shouldn’t be scared to go out of our neighborhood because of them,” said Akari Corral, sophomore, in a text exchange.

“I feel fear when I think about families being separated and detained, regardless of being illegal immigrants or not,” according to Sarah Delgado Jimenez, freshman. “I believe ICE represents racism painted as patriotism.”

ICE’s presence in Phoenix affects more than immigration policy. It involves the daily lives, emotions, and conversations of people of all kinds, including students.