West Orange Teens Hold School Walkout Against ICE Crackdown (PHOTOS)

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A student walkout took place at West Orange High School on Friday afternoon to protest ICE and the ongoing federal immigration crackdown.

A large crowd of teens was seen leaving the school around 1:30 p.m. and marching down the street in a light rain carrying signs – and umbrellas.

Some of the signs had slogans including “People are people, no border changes that,” “Liberty and Justice 4 All,” and “No one is illegal on stolen land.”

“We are skipping our lesson to teach you one,” another sign read.

According to district administrators, nearly 200 students took part in the walkout.

The peaceful protest began in front of the high school on Pleasant Valley Way and turned on to Eagle Rock Avenue. It then turned on Massey Street, onto Holmes Street and back to the high school, administrators reported.

“Although not a school-sanctioned event, Principal Oscar Guerrero, administrators, school security and the West Orange Police Department were present to ensure the safety and security of all,” the district said.

West Orange isn’t the only school district in Essex County to see an anti-ICE student walkout so far this month. On Feb. 3, a large crowd of students at Bloomfield High School walked out of class to protest the federal immigration crackdown taking place under the Trump administration. READ MORE: Bloomfield Student Walkout: Photos Give An Inside Look At Anti-ICE Protest

Other walkouts have taken place at West Orange High School in the recent past, including a protest over the Israel-Palestine war in 2023 and a vigil against gun violence in 2018.

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