Portland Students Walk Out in Mass Protest Against ICE
On January 30, 2026, hundreds of students, parents, and teachers in Portland participated in a significant protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. This walkout followed a nationwide crackdown on immigration enforcement and recent violent incidents, including fatal shootings in Minneapolis.
Portland Students Walk Out in Mass Protest Against ICE
High school students from various schools, including McDaniel and Roosevelt High Schools, took to the streets, chanting and carrying signs demanding an end to ICE terror. McDaniel sophomore Viola DeVigal emphasized the importance of student voices in advocating for social change. “We are the voices of today,” she stated, reflecting the sentiments of many students who fear for their safety and the safety of their families due to ICE actions.
Impacts of ICE Policies
ICE activities have created a climate of fear, especially among Latino students. Approximately 28% of McDaniel’s student body identifies as Latino. Many students have reported that classmates have lost family members to deportation or violence linked to ICE enforcement.
- Location: Protest marches occurred on Lombard Street in North Portland.
- Date: January 30, 2026.
- Participants: High school students, parents, teachers, and community members.
Support from Schools and Businesses
Portland Public Schools acknowledged students’ rights to protest, despite treating January 30 as a regular school day. PPS Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong noted the anxiety prompted by recent immigration actions, highlighting the district’s commitment to supporting immigrant families.
Some small businesses in Portland also considered participating in the general strike. Owners of Mis Tacones, Polo Bañuelos and Carlos Reynoso, decided to close their restaurant in solidarity with the protest. They underscored the importance of collective decisions amongst their staff to stand against unjust treatment of immigrants.
Additional Perspectives
Other businesses chose different routes. Christine Azar, owner of Azar Indulgences, opted to keep her chocolate and coffee shop open while donating portions of her sales to support affected small businesses in Minneapolis. She emphasized community investment over corporate interests and expressed her concerns regarding the violence faced by protesters.
The protest in Portland was part of a broader national movement against ICE practices following several violent incidents reported across the country. This collective action underlined community values, the call for change, and the urgent need for more humane immigration policies.
