On Friday, February 6th, students at Naperville North organized a walkout from classes in protest of ICE.
The plan had been spread through social media, with what seemed to be hundreds of students gathering in the small cafe at the end of 5th period. Student organizer, Senior Valeria Martinez, explained the message she hopes Naperville takes from this demonstration.
“[She] wants everybody in the Naperville community to see [that it is the job of young people] to bring awareness to the horrible acts of ICE,” Martinez said.
The walkout at Naperville North is one of many that have taken place across the United States in response to the Trump Administration’s usage of ICE to enforce aggressive immigration policy. Martinez and other organizers began planning this event around three weeks ago to ensure the safety of themselves and the other students engaged in the walkout. Personally, Martinez and the other organizers were inspired to lead this protest because of their heritage.
“What both inspired [them] to do this was because [they] are from the Hispanic or Latino community,” Martinez said.
After exiting the building, students were then seen walking down Ogden to continue the demonstration towards Downtown Naperville. According to building policy, the students who walked out will face the same punishment as any other tardy, truancy or absence. Principal Jay Wachtel declined to comment on the walkout.
Student Jacob Allen explained why he decided to participate in the walkout.
“[Every protester] wants the same thing, which is justice. That is why [I am at the protest], and why everyone else is there,” Allen said.
