Students and local community members from the Franklin Pierce School District took a powerful stand on Wednesday, marching through the streets to protest recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The peaceful demonstration, led mainly by students, reflected growing nationwide anger over ICE’s use of force during immigration operations.
Student-Led Protest in Parkland
The march took place late Wednesday morning around Franklin Pierce High School, located at 11002 18th Ave. E. in the Parkland area of Washington. Several hundred people, including students, parents, and other community members, participated in the event.
Some protestors held signs with strong anti-ICE messages like “Abolish ICE” and “No Human is Illegal.” Others displayed signs supporting immigrants and their rights. Photos from the protest also showed people proudly waving Mexican flags, highlighting the community’s cultural roots and unity.
Majority Latino School Speaks Out
Franklin Pierce High School has a student population that is largely Latino and Hispanic. One student, Evan Velazquez, spoke to The News Tribune before the event and said, “Due to the recent disgusting events ICE has been conducting, my school has decided to protest. We are a majority Latino/Hispanic school, so we expect a big turnout.”
The school’s students and families are deeply affected by national immigration policies, and the protest gave them a chance to raise their voices.
ICE Shootings Spark Nationwide Outrage
This protest was part of a bigger movement spreading across the U.S. after two tragic incidents involving ICE agents. In early January, ICE officers fatally shot Renée Good in Minneapolis during a reported enforcement operation. Just weeks later, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was also shot and killed by federal agents.
These deaths have led to widespread outrage, protests, and demands for justice from both immigrant rights groups and the general public.
More Student Protests Across Washington
Other schools in Washington have also seen student-led walkouts in recent days, including Spanaway Lake High School and Stadium High School. The protests reflect a growing sense of urgency among young people to stand up against what they see as racial profiling and excessive use of force.
Strong Community Support
The rally near Franklin Pierce High School was peaceful but powerful. It showed how students, even while still in school, are willing to take a stand for what they believe in. With strong support from families and local groups, the protest became more than just a march—it became a message to leaders across the country.
