Early this morning, large groups of students at Abington and Cheltenham high schools participated in organized walkouts to protest the policies and practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
At Abington Senior High School, more than 100 students walked out of their classrooms at 7:45 a.m. to voice opposition to how ICE’s enforcement tactics are being carried out in Montgomery County and across the country. Many carried handmade signs expressing objections to the federal immigration crackdown that has intensified under President Donald Trump’s second term.
The Abington event was organized by students and gained momentum over the past week through social media posts.
In a message shared on their account, organizers wrote, “We cannot sit idly by as injustice walks the streets of Minneapolis and America. We are choosing to take a stand and hope you will join us. No one is being forced to participate in this protest. This is a student‑led walkout that does not reflect the views of the staff, school, or district. Thank you for your continuous support!”
While Abington students approached school administrators about planning a walkout, Superintendent Jeffrey Fecher emphasized that the district did not organize or endorse the protest, but is working with police to ensure student safety and uphold school policies.
"Students at Abington Senior High School approached school administration about interests in planning a walk-out as a form of protest among the student body," Dr. Fecher said. "Abington School District administration has not organized, endorsed, or given approval of this student demonstration, though we recognize the importance of the right to free speech and respect our students' willingness to voice and express their beliefs, regardless of political position.
"As school administrators, we do have an obligation to uphold our policies and procedures, which includes maintaining a safe school environment without disruption to teaching and learning," Dr. Fecher added. "As a result, students were made aware of the consequences should they choose to participate in such a demonstration. As this is a student-led endeavor, Abington Senior High School administration is working with local and school police to ensure the safety of all students and staff."
Some community members did not agree with the protest.
One commenter wrote, “ICE did nothing wrong, they are doing their job right,” while another parent said, “Regardless of my political views, my kids are staying in school and I hope this does not disrupt their school day.”
Students at Cheltenham performed a similar demonstration Wednesday as well.
Last week, students at North Penn held their own protest. As students walked out of the building, a steady stream grew through the parking lot to the edge of the property along Valley Forge Road, braving frigid temperatures and carrying signs.
Music was playing, as demonstrators shouted, “power to the students,” “no justice, no peace, no ICE in our streets,” “no one is illegal on stolen land,” and “when I say ‘ICE’ you say ‘out,’ ICE out.” Cars and trucks honked in support as they passed on Valley Forge Road.
