Note: The students’ faces are blurred to protect their identity.

Last Friday, an estimated 500 students walked out of Norristown Area High School in solidarity against ICE violence in America, especially in Norristown.“They’re scared that people are going around in their community, hurting, and stripping them away from their families and friends,” said one of the organizers, freshman Melanie Merchant-Rojas. 

At 8:56, four minutes before the walkout, the organizers were in the gym lobby, putting the finishing protest signs. On a postboard sign, they wrote out “ICE, you are murderers.” Meanwhile, security, administration, and other school personnel guarded the doors. It looked as if they were preparing for a riot. 

Only a few minutes later, at about 9:02, students rushed through the hallways and stairs. The sight of all these students collectively trickling down was similar to watching a mall open up on Black Friday. The students didn’t come empty-handed: many held protest signs, painted horns, and flags to represent heritage. 

“This is an opportunity for kids of immigrants to show our appreciation to our parents. We’re not animals, we are humans,” said junior Maite. 

One after another, students wrapped around the school building, exiting the gym lobby. From Mexico to Costa Rica to Nicaragua, many students wore their flags while marching under the school’s giant American one. 

“I feel really happy to represent our culture. I want to show people what should be happening instead of what’s happening,” said a student who chose not to be identified. 

Norristown has a significant Latino population, which the U.S. Census estimates to be about 35%. Students have seen their family, friends, and communities directly impacted by ICE’s violence. 

“A lot of my friends are very, very scared for their lives, and a lot of people that I have seen really struggle,” said a student. 

A horn, painted to the Mexican flag, blew throughout the march. Students played Bad Bunny on their phones, while other students prayed for the country. 

“This is my life. I have to stand up for it,” said another student who asked not to be identified. “What [ICE is doing] is wrong and they need to know that it’s wrong. We’re standing up for what we believe in.”

Many students shared these feelings.

“Nobody should be getting kicked out of their home no matter what the circumstances are,” said another student. 

For many, this was one of the only opportunities to express their thoughts and feelings about ICE.

“There needs to be change, and the fact that we are able to express our voice here safely is good,” said an anonymous student. 

This was the main motivation for the walkout in the first place. The initial Instagram page started two weeks before the walkout, a few weeks after the murder of Renee Good. 

 “We came to the realization that not every kid feels like they can talk about [ICE],”  said another organizer. “There is a lot of tension here in Norristown that needs to be addressed.” 

The organizers made posters on Canva, and word quickly traveled. 

“Students fear ICE,” said Merchant-Rojas. “This is way deeper than attending school.”

Many students fear for the future of our country under ICE. 

“Children are suffering. This is our future and if we don’t take care of it now nobody will” said a student.  

The walkout brought a sense of community to the school, even for the kids inside. Cheering on the march from the building, students filled windows, some even with their own signs pressed against the glass. 

“I feel alive. I think that this isn’t something I’ve ever seen before. To see [students protest] visually is amazing,” said junior Levi, who did not directly participate in the protest but supported it. 

The meaning of walking out may have been a little different for each student, but there was a general theme being shown by each student coming together. All in all, people came to advocate for humanity.

Sophomore July Dunn summarized this feeling. “Just support your rights. Support what you stand for.”