Students and professors joined thousands in a nationwide classroom walkout to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement at 2 p.m. on Feb. 6 outside the Kay Spiritual Life Center.
The walkout, organized by Latinos En Acción and American University’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America, brought together dozens of students and professors to chant and hear testimonies at an “Abolish ICE” walkout.
The walkout began with students from LEA and YDSA passing out signs and pins with slogans such as “I stand with Immigrants” and “Que se largue Trump YA!” which translates to “Trump should leave now!”
Students showed their support in thick coats and gloves, with some holding signs and others linking arms. One professor carried a large American flag.
Although faced with snow, wind and cold temperatures, participants remained outside, passed out hand warmers and continued to march and chant.
In addition to participants, police and a designated team of marshals were present to ensure the event's safety. Protestors were informed of their presence and designated crowd members to speak with police and the media.
“I hope that this will be a continued effort, not just one time, because the situation is so serious, it’s not going to change overnight,” said Jin Park, a professor of philosophy and religion in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Park spoke about the importance of administrators and students alike showing their outrage at the increased violence by ICE officials in recent weeks.
“I hope that they [University administrators] can hear students’ voices, faculty members’ voices and realize the importance of this kind of movement,” Park said.
After a brief introduction to the event and safety precautions, student leaders began chants, notable ones including “The students united will never be defeated!” and “Not another dollar, not another dime, no more money for ICE’s crimes!”
Soon after, LEA president Kare Coley read the names of the victims of ICE’s recent violence and held a moment of silence.
Many students held signs with the names of the victims, like Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, who were recently killed by ICE officials in Minneapolis.
The nearly hour-long walkout took place outside in 30-degree weather and garnered a large crowd of around 200 people, according to AU Rise Up.
“It’s really to show solidarity and to say we’re tired of this. We’re done with this,” said Asher Heistan, the media delegate for AU Rise Up. “We really want to see administration consistently make sure that they’re doing outreach to the student groups and the students who are affected by this on our own campus.”
AU Rise Up said it plans to continue these efforts on the first Friday of every month until May Day, when the organization will host a larger event.
Participants heard speeches from students at the University as well as Ernesto Castañeda, the director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies, the Immigration Lab and Carl LeVan, chair of the Department of Politics, Governance and Economics.
“We won’t let it happen here,” Castañeda said. “American University can practice solidarity, and we refuse to let America become a country with a President above the law and with immigrants below dignity.”
Some students were protesting for the first time. Israel López-García, Griselda Pérez-Valdovimos, Saúl Soriano and Isaac Tzunun held homemade signs and attributed their friendship to the University’s first-generation housing cohort, a new initiative launched in the fall of 2025 which places first-gen students on the same floor.
López-García said that after the protest, while feeling heartbroken by the reality many immigrants in America now face, being surrounded by everyone’s support felt good.
López-García said that protesting was an easy decision for him to make despite his doubts about its effectiveness.
“We really think it’s important that we speak up for what we believe in,” López-García said. “We still believe that standing up really complies with our morals, and as long as we get the word out, that’s what’s most important.”
Other students shared similar reasons for participating in the walkout, including those who left class to attend.
“I think it’s important to show in numbers physically that you care about things, to be present in the space with other people,” said Conner Merchant, a sophomore in CAS.
“I believe that we will win!” the group chanted at the end of the protest, as some participants cried and exchanged hugs.
As people began to disperse, many remained, shouting “F— ICE” and collecting any signs or pins left on the ground.
Merchant said that for him, the walkout stood for more than a call to action; it showed that students at the University cared about what was happening to immigrants.
“I think it does show in numbers, other people that do care,” Merchant said. “And I think it does give a sense of unity, and especially in a time where they’re trying to create division.”
This article was edited by Natalie Hausmann, Payton Anderson and Walker Whalen. Copy editing by Avery Grossman, Jaden Maitland Anderson, Ryan Sieve and Ava Stuzin. Fact-checking done by Andrew Kummeth.
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