Virginia students suspended for anti-ICE walkouts, protests continue

Across multiple states, hundreds of high school students staged anti-ICE walkouts, prompting varied responses from school authorities. In Virginia, Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) suspended 303 students at Woodbridge High School after they left campus during a student-led protest on 13 February 2026. Students walked onto nearby streets, forcing local police to manage traffic and supervise participants. Some returned to campus, causing minor disturbances.

Administrators said the suspensions were for leaving school grounds without permission, not for participating in the protests. The walkout was not sponsored by the district, but organizers have planned additional demonstrations at Woodbridge Senior High School, Battlefield High School, Colgan High School, C.D. Hylton High School, Osbourn Park High School, Patriot High School, Gar-field High School, Unity Reed High School, and Independence Nontraditional School. These events will take place on school property to ensure student safety.

A student-run Instagram page, @pwcs_iceout, encouraged participants to bring signs, stay peaceful, and follow instructions for each campus. “It’s time to take a stand,” the account posted. “Rest assured that all school administrations have been informed of our plans, so participating will not get you in trouble.”

Student-led anti-ICE protests also occurred in Oklahoma, where districts took different approaches. Mustang Public Schools issued in-school suspensions to over 100 students, while Bixby Public Schools marked absences but did not penalize students. Santa Fe South marked students absent for leaving campus, and Moore Public Schools warned that walkouts could result in suspension or truancy violations. Lawmakers in the state expressed split views, with some urging students to protest outside school hours and others supporting their right to be heard.

In Pennsylvania, authorities prevented a planned walkout, stating students would face suspension if they left campus. Alexandria City High School in Virginia also held a walkout with around 250 to 300 students, who were allowed one excused absence for civic events.

The wave of protests comes amid ongoing criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, with students organizing events to voice opposition to federal immigration enforcement. Districts emphasized that students must remain on school grounds or have excused absences, and leaving campus without permission can result in disciplinary consequences.