Hinsdale Central Anti-ICE Walkout Expected

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale Central High School students are expected to walk out Wednesday afternoon to demonstrate against federal deportation efforts.

Late Monday afternoon, Hinsdale High School District 86 indicated a walkout may occur Wednesday. But the district did not say whether it would occur at both schools.

Patch has found an Instagram page that indicates Central students would walk out about 1:15 p.m., shortly after eighth period starts.

The page says Central students are marching in partnership with South students, but Patch could find nothing specific about any possible event at South.

The district said it does not approve of any walkouts and will mark participants' absences as unexcused.

Organizers' Instagram page say they are walking out to protest ICE, formally known as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Besides ICE, the organizers are also focused on Gaza, saying, "We stand in solidarity with civilians in Palestine and call for peace, justice and humanitarian aid."

The protest would be "strictly peaceful," demonstrators would respect all residents and property, and they would follow directions from student leaders and authorities, according to the Instagram page.

To parents, organizers said, "You can show your own solidarity with your D86 student by excusing their absence on the day of the walkout with a mental health day in order to not harm their attendance record."

On Friday, about 450 York High School students marched against ICE from their campus to Elmhurst's downtown. Students danced to Spanish music at City Hall's plaza.