See Video: York Students Protest ICE, March To City Hall

ELMHURST, IL – About 450 York High School students – nearly 20 percent of the student body – left class early Friday to protest federal efforts to deport immigrants.

Students planned the demonstration, though the school said it was not associated with the event. Police guarded intersections to ensure protesters passed safely.

The students marched to City Hall, with junior Claire Kelton and sophomore Amyrah Cervantes leading much of the way.

Kelton held a sign reading, "No state may 'deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of the law' – 14th Amendment."

Cervantes' sign simply said, "Melt ICE."

Another girl displayed a sign reading, "Fight ignorance, not immigrants."

Near the beginning of the route, one boy repeatedly yelled, "F--- ICE!"

Groups of students also chanted, "ICE out" and "Immigrants are welcome here. No hate. No fear."

Along the way, some drivers honked. A couple cheered from a balcony on a downtown high-rise.

When the students reached City Hall, they entered the plaza, with students holding the Mexican and Puerto Rican flags in the center. A few danced to Spanish music, with one holding a stereo.

At City Hall, many students blew whistles, which were handed out. Whistles have become a symbol in the fight against ICE. People use them when they spot immigration agents.

Elmhurst's Progressives for Change and other like-minded people passed out water to demonstrators.

Such marches are taking place across the suburbs. Earlier the same afternoon, students at Villa Park's Willowbrook High School held a similar rally.

York High School students Amyrah Cervantes (left) and Claire Kelton lead the way in a march against ICE on Friday afternoon. About 450 students took part. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Students march away from York High School on Friday afternoon. They walked to City Hall. (David Giuliani/Patch)

York High School students rally against ICE on Friday afternoon at City Hall. (David Giuliani/Patch)