On January 30, 2025, students at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School participated in a nationwide walkout to protest the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The movement aimed to raise awareness about the impact of immigration enforcement on families and communities across the United States.
Students gathered outside their school, holding signs adorned with slogans such as “Skipping our lessons to teach you one,” “I like ICE in my drinks, not in the streets,” and “Hot people melt ICE.” The protest was organized by senior Addisynn Laliberte, who expressed her motivation for the event, stating, “I had become very emotional for the past few days prior to the protest… It was just really heartbreaking, and I have a lot of friends that are being affected.”
In preparation for the event, Laliberte spent the night before painting protest signs and encouraging her peers to join her. Her initial plan was to stage a walkout during lunch, allowing students to participate without missing an entire day of classes. As the protest unfolded, the turnout exceeded her expectations, transforming a modest gathering into a larger demonstration that continued well beyond school hours.
The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District issued an email to parents acknowledging awareness of the planned protest. The correspondence emphasized the importance of civil engagement while also reminding students that leaving campus during school hours was against district policy. Nonetheless, the district expressed its commitment to supporting student expression in constructive ways.
Students from nearby Lompoc Valley also participated in similar protests, showcasing a broader engagement among high school students across the region. Caasi Chavez, a Communications Specialist for the Lompoc Unified School District, confirmed that staff were prepared for the peaceful demonstrations and recognized the students’ First Amendment rights.
Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram played a significant role in documenting and sharing the events of the day, amplifying the voices of the student protesters. Laliberte reflected on the powerful sense of unity and pride among participants as they marched alongside the highway, stating, “I think everyone in the crowd became very proud of what they were doing.”
The protests resonate with previous actions, including a significant multi-school walkout in Santa Maria, which took place on February 18, 2024. That event was led by Cesar Vasquez, a former student from Santa Maria High School, and highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by immigrant families due to ICE tactics.
As students continue to advocate for their rights and those of their communities, the recent walkouts serve as a reminder of the power of youth activism in shaping public discourse around immigration policy. District officials have acknowledged the importance of fostering an environment where students can express their views while ensuring their safety during such events.
