Hundreds of Glenbard East students walked out of school on Friday, February 13th in response to national tensions surrounding immigration policy and enforcement practices.

During the event, students left class at 11:05, at the start of 4th period, and remained outside until 6th period. 

Sophomore Tamie Garza explained why she participated.

“Participating in events like this is important,” she said. “We need to make our voices heard. A ton of students are affected by this, and we have no idea if it’ll get worse.”

Garza’s sentiments were shared by many students. Junior Aiden Townsend said he hopes students will be vocal about their opinions.

 “I do believe participating in this event is important because it represents our understanding of what is right and wrong in our society as a whole,” he said.

However, not all students supported the walkout. Some students drove past the demonstration on Main Street holding signs expressing their disagreement with the protest and support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As emotions grew among the crowds, nearby law enforcement moved the counter protesters to prevent conflicts and keep the situation from escalating.

In the days leading up to the protest, Principal Antoine Anderson sent emails to both families and students, stating that the walkout was not a school sanctioned event and that participants would not be excused from attendance. On the day of the walkout, Anderson made an announcement that reminded students that all school policies must be followed if they chose to demonstrate off campus.

In his messages Anderson stated that safety was a priority during the walkout, with increased police presence and staff members stationed along the demonstration route to help ensure order and security. 

Notably, Rebecca Giannelli, mayor of Glendale Heights, was in attendance. She noted that safety was of utmost importance and was there to observe. 

An outside organization was also present during the walkout to support student safety. They are a local nonprofit that educates, organizes, and advocates around immigrant rights and community needs in DuPage County. 

Members of the group volunteered as crossing guards along the walkout route and helped monitor the crowd to ensure students were safe throughout the demonstration. They also provided plastic water bottles to student participants to stay hydrated during the event.

As the walkout concluded, many students remained outside until the start of 8th period, while others chose to go home. Some said they were afraid of potential disciplinary consequences for skipping class and others simply didn’t have enough time to return during the passing period. 

Simultaneously, hundreds of Willowbrook High School students marched in protest, carrying signs and chanting in solidarity of what participants view as unjust actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Across DuPage County and nationwide similar protests have taken place in recent weeks as communities react to federal immigration policy and related enforcement actions.