Hundreds of students from local high schools walked out and marched to city hall in order to protest the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies and demand greater protections for immigrant families. The demonstration was organized in response to concerns about increased ICE activity and its impact on local communities. Dickinson High School, Ferris High School, Snyder High School Innovation High School, and County Prep High School all have students who walked out their classrooms in order to peacefully protest on February 13th 2026.
Students gathered at Dickinson High School before marching through the streets, chanting slogans like “Hey, hey! Ho, ho! ICE has got to go!,” or “No hate! No fear! Immigrants are welcome here!,” among others rang out across the neighborhoods.”
According to information posted by HudsonCountyview.com, the protest was sparked by fears that ICE agents could target students or their relatives near school grounds.
In an interview with The Jersey Journal, senior Genesis Rodriguez, explains why the students decided to protest.
“We’re here because we want to make sure everyone feels safe at school,” said Rodriguez. “No one should have to worry about being separated from their family just for coming to class.”
At City Hall, students delivered speeches urging city officials to take action. An anonymous speaker spoke out, saying, “ICE cannot get us if we come together as one. We must all come together to get ICE out of Jersey City. They shouldn’t be in our nation, not in our state, never in our city. Abolish ICE once and for all.”
The walkout received support from advocacy groups and Jersey’s 8th District congressional candidate, Mussab Ali. He participated in the event and applauded the students for putting together the walkout to demonstrate their First Amendment rights.
“This is a moment in our country that is not normal. It is not normal to be standing in a moment of fear where you don’t know if you will be detained simply for speaking another language. That is the reality of our system right now,” said Ali.
The walkout highlighted growing concern among Jersey City’s diverse student population and underscored the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and education. Students vowed to continue raising awareness and advocating for safer, more inclusive schools.
Jersey City Ward E Councilwoman Eleana Little supported the students effort to have their voices heard.
“My council colleagues and myself and the administration, we are committed to working to keep our community safe here in Jersey City. ICE has been operating a regime of fear and cruelty. They have been throwing out due process, they have been executing people exercising their first amendment rights. They have become completely lawless and completely unaccountable. That has to change. Abolish ICE.”
