In early February, students across the U.S. walked out of schools to protest ICE. Many Americans got called to attention in February when a floor proceeding sparked a debate on homeland security funding. The debate focused on Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection.

The Senate has run into about 42 sessions debating what they should do. According to Spectrum News 1,“Democrats stressed they were willing to fund parts of DHS, but not Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as Customs and Border Protection, without changes in their operations.”  Democrats tried to reduce or change the funding, but over time, they began to lose.

But, republicans were hesitant to negotiate with the rest of the House. They wanted to fully fund DHS, as well as increase the funding from last year. According to the New York Times, republicans allocated “$75 billion for ICE alone, making it the highest funded federal law enforcement agency,” and they were winning. They got it to Trump’s desk  through a majority vote.

This left the public mad. It became a very trending topic on social media and across the country. People were very upset because of how ICE and detention centers treated people. ”I believe in due process and treating people with the rights they deserve in this country.” Says senior Shelby Olsen. Like Olsen, many others believed that something needed to change. 

Utah high school students took action on this matter late January/ early February, with schools such as Murray, Olympus, Cottonwood, and Granger high schools walking out to protest ICE.

 Taylorsville was one of the schools in the district that participated in a walkout. The walkout took place on February 6th at around 12:30 pm. Many students joined the walkout. Students filled the sidewalk by the Taylorsville skatepark, cheering and marching for three hours.

 The reason behind the walkout was that “We aren’t angry enough.” says two sophomores, organizers of the walkout who wish to stay anonymous. The organizers of the walkout got their message across to the school through an instagram page, @tvilleagainstice. Organizing and participating in protests is the first call to action with these matters, bringing communities together to make steps toward change. “We need to take a stand and speak out about what’s going on in America.” The organizers add.

The walkout conducted in Taylorsville had a positive outcome, as lots of students were in attendance. “I feel like it was a success and we could definitely do it again!”  the organizers continue. The walkout brought Taylorsville together, showing a clear example of what shared opinions can do to communities.

Students hope the impact of these walkouts is strong. “I’m confident and hoping that our messages will get through to our government to show that the American people are unhappy,” says Olsen. She adds,” It is so astonishing to see how many young people and students are standing up for what’s right.” Students left class not to find a reason to skip, but a reason to speak up and speak out about what they believe is right.

Many students believe that although this action is small, doing something is better than doing nothing.”I hope these walkouts can actually have an impact on what the higher-ups are doing about this,” says Junior Batoul Soueidan. She also claims, “With how divided the people are, it’s close to impossible. Although, it’s better than doing nothing.” 

As students and adults continue to form opinions and thoughts on this matter, speaking up for what they believe in and what they think is right continues to bring communities together, as well as move through this country with one goal: to be the land of the free.