On Jan. 30, 2026, several students of Anderson High School walked out of school in order to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s mass deportation movement. Students began to gather at the exit towards the school parking lot at 1 p.m. and handed out signs to each other.
The students began to step out of the building, and walk around the school property. None of the school staff prevented the students’ peaceful protest, however they were in charge of supervision while they were on school property. Staff members including assistant principal, Matthew Goen, made sure the students were safe while they were protesting. He prevented the students from going into the road, and redirected them away from the buses to ensure safety.
Students remained on the sidewalk in the direction of the road where cars would drive by. Some cars would honk and make peace signs to show their support, whereas others would yell chants like “boo” and put their thumbs down out their car windows.
Several students felt motivated to protest due to having immigrant relatives and friends. Junior Laura Espinoza expresses her feelings on the movement, “My dad is an immigrant, I feel very strong to speak up about what is happening.”
As of early 2026, the state of Texas holds the highest number of immigrants in detention. Another student, Slone Dodson, communicates their fear for their loved one “My girlfriend is affected by stuff like this, she lives down in Texas which is where like the big ICE crisis is going on.”
Although many were directly affected, others came to have an excuse to leave their classes. Freshman Cristian Dimas says “I’m just here because I’m bored.”
Later on during the protest, students would walk out the building during class and join in. Others would open the windows of their classrooms and cheer from afar.
The students’ protest lasted from the beginning of fifth period to the end of seventh period. Certain students would go back into the building throughout the protest, and they were asked to write their names down for future disciplinary actions.
Despite how unorganized the promotion of the protest was, many were grateful for the turnout. Protesting student Joslin Willard, explains her gratitude, “It’s kind of admirable seeing all these people come together for an equal cause.”
