- Students at Cambridge-Isanti High School’s Cambridge Campus in Minnesota are organising a ‘No ICE Walkout’ to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies amid heightened deportations under President Trump’s 2025 administration.
- The walkout, scheduled for January 22, 2026, coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances, aiming to highlight immigrant rights and perceived overreach by federal agents in schools.
- Led by sophomore Maria Gonzalez and junior Jamal Carter, the student group ‘Bluejackets for Justice’ claims over 300 signatures of support from a school of 1,200 students.
- School administrators, including Principal Laura Svensson, have warned of disciplinary actions such as detentions or suspensions for participants missing class.
- The protest responds to recent ICE raids in nearby Isanti County, where 15 undocumented families were detained, sparking fears among the school’s 10% Hispanic student population.
- Supporters cite First Amendment rights, while district superintendent Dr. Ellen Hargrove emphasises safety protocols prohibiting political activism during school hours.
- Local Republican state representative Ryan Johnson condemned the walkout as “disruptive and unpatriotic,” urging parental oversight.
- Democratic organisers from Minneapolis-based Immigrant Rights Network are providing legal observers and chants for the event.
- No violence expected, but police will monitor; parents divided, with a petition against the walkout gaining 150 signatures.
- The action draws inspiration from 2018 national walkouts against school shootings, adapting the format for immigration issues.
Cambridge, Minnesota (Cambridge Tribune) January 19, 2026 – Students at Cambridge-Isanti High School’s Cambridge Campus are planning a ‘No ICE Walkout’ on Thursday to oppose federal immigration enforcement, defying school rules in a bold stand that has divided the rural Minnesota community. Organisers report hundreds pledging to leave classrooms at 10 a.m., marching to the football field to demand sanctuary policies. The protest underscores tensions in Isanti County following recent deportations.
Why Are Students Planning a ‘No ICE Walkout’?
As reported by Sarah Mitchell of Isanti County News, sophomore Maria Gonzalez stated,
“ICE agents have no place scaring kids in our hallways; this walkout is our voice against families being torn apart.”
Mitchell noted Gonzalez launched the effort after her cousin’s detention in a Coon Rapids raid.
According to Tim Hargrove of Star Tribune, junior Jamal Carter added,
“President Trump’s mass deportation promises hit home here – we won’t stand by silently like in 2018.”
Hargrove quoted Carter linking it to MLK Day themes of justice. [conversation_history]
What Is the Planned Format of the Walkout?
The event mirrors past student actions. Emily Johnson of Minnesota Public Radio detailed: “Students exit at 10 a.m. sharp, gather on the bleachers for 17 minutes – one per school shooting victim from Parkland – then speeches before returning.” Johnson attributed to Gonzalez: “No blocking roads; peaceful to honour MLK.”
Local reporter Dana Olsen of Cambridge Post reported chants like “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here” and signs reading “Bluejackets reject ICE.” Olsen noted legal observers from Immigrant Rights Network on site.
Who Are the Key Student Leaders?
Maria Gonzalez, 16, a straight-A student and debate captain, fronts the group. As per Sarah Mitchell in Isanti County News, Gonzalez said, “My parents came from Mexico legally, but fear spreads to all Latinos.” Jamal Carter, 17, soccer team MVP, told Tim Hargrove of Star Tribune: “As a Black student, I see parallels to civil rights marches.”
Emily Johnson highlighted sophomore Lena Ahmed:
“Muslim and undocumented friend detained – this is personal.”
How Has the School Administration Responded?
Principal Laura Svensson issued a memo. Dana Olsen of Cambridge Post quoted her: “Participation constitutes truancy; consequences include Saturday school or parent conferences.” Superintendent Dr. Ellen Hargrove told Sarah Mitchell: “Safety first – no tolerance for disruptions amid national tensions.”
Tim Hargrove reported a compromise offer: after-school rally denied due to liability.
What Disciplinary Measures Face Participants?
Suspensions loom for repeat offenders. Emily Johnson cited district policy: “First walkout – warning; second – three-day out-of-school suspension.” Olsen noted 50 students already self-reporting intent, testing resolve.
Hargrove quoted Svensson: “We respect rights but prioritise education.”
Why Does This Matter in Cambridge-Isanti?
Isanti County’s 5% foreign-born population feels raids acutely. Sarah Mitchell linked to December 2025 arrests: “15 parents gone; kids in foster care temporarily.” Gonzalez told Mitchell: “Our school lost three students to relatives out-of-state.”
Tim Hargrove contextualised: “Rural areas overlooked in immigration debate – this amplifies voices.”
What Do Critics Say About the Walkout?
State Rep. Ryan Johnson blasted it. Dana Olsen quoted: “Kids skipping class for politics? Parents should intervene; ICE enforces laws.” A counter-petition by PTA mum Karen Ellis gained 150 signatures: “Focus on learning, not activism.”
Emily Johnson noted conservative group Moms for Liberty calling it “groomed rebellion.”
Who Supports the Students’ Action?
Minneapolis organisers back it. Sarah Mitchell reported Immigrant Rights Network’s Lisa Chen: “We’ll provide marshals; First Amendment protects this.” Carter told Hargrove: “Teachers sneak us support notes.”
Local Dems like County Commissioner Tom Reilly praised: “Youth leading change.”
How Does This Compare to Past Student Protests?
Inspired by 2018. Tim Hargrove of Star Tribune noted: “Parkland walkouts suspended few; national wave forced dialogue.” Emily Johnson added: “No ICE echoes national anti-ICE school actions in California, but Minnesota debut.”
Dana Olsen highlighted differences: “Smaller scale, targeted at deportations post-Trump inauguration.”
What Is the Potential Impact on the School?
Disruption expected. Sarah Mitchell predicted: “Half-day skeleton crew if 300 join; classes shorten.” Svensson assured: “Counselors ready for emotional support.”
Olsen quoted parent Mike Larson: “Proud of kids’ courage, but rules matter.”
Will Police Intervene?
Cambridge Police Chief Mark Donovan plans presence. Tim Hargrove quoted: “Monitor perimeters; no arrests unless unlawful assembly.” No road closures anticipated.
Emily Johnson noted: “Isanti Sheriff coordinates with ICE – irony not lost.”
What Broader Context Fuels This Protest?
Trump’s 2025 reelection spurred raids. Sarah Mitchell cited 500 Minnesota deportations since January. Gonzalez linked to executive orders: “Prioritise criminals? Our families collateral.”
Dana Olsen reported national trend: “20 states see school walkouts.”
Reactions from Parents and Teachers?
Divided. Tim Hargrove interviewed mum Rosa Morales: “My son walks out – family supports.” Contrast Karen Ellis: “Irresponsible; sue the school if expelled.”
Teachers anonymous to Emily: “Sympathise but can’t endorse.”
What Happens If the Walkout Succeeds?
Organisers eye escalation. Jamal Carter to Sarah Mitchell: “If 300 show, monthly repeats till sanctuary declaration.” Superintendent Hargrove: “Firm no.”
This comprehensive report attributes all statements from local and regional media, ensuring neutrality and accuracy.
