Students at Los Osos High School joined a wave of youth activism across the Inland Empire, walking out of class to protest actions by U.S Immigration Enforcement known as ICE.
The tragic event ICE had caused in the United States fired anger amongst individuals with family members who ICE captured. The demonstration was part of a broader regional movement that included students from Rancho Cucamonga High School and Etiwanda High School, as well as many other schools in the Inland Empire.
The Walkout began on January 28, 2026, around 12 p.m., when many students gathered in designated areas on campus before exiting together, along with many staff members, including the Los Osos High School principal.
Many carried handmade posters with messages supporting immigrant families and calling for policy changes. Others draped flags of Hispanic countries over their shoulders or linked arms with friends as they marched.
While school administrators monitored the situation to ensure student safety, the demonstration itself was organized by students using social media and word of mouth.
The protest was organized in response to increased ICE operations reported in parts of California. US ICE, a government-enforced group of officers, is responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws, including detaining individuals who violate those laws. Federal officials state that enforcement actions focus on public safety priorities, but advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union argue that certain operations contribute to family separation and fear in immigrant communities.
While they’re there to protect, there have been visual reports of individuals being violated and arrested U.S citizens for protesting against ICE.
Freshman student Sebastian Fierro spoke out, making a statement about the issue, feeling personal.
“Some people come to school every day worried about their families. Everyone who attended the walkout wanted to show support to immigrant families and make sure they aren’t alone,” he said.
Organizers emphasized that they wanted a peaceful and student-led protest.
The planning had taken place through parent emails and social media posts, encouraging student participation and explaining the purpose of the demonstration. Students were required to remain respectful and to return to class after the protest was over. More than half of the students returned during the fifth period.
The movement extended beyond Los Osos High School. Students at Rancho Cucamonga High School and Etiwanda High School also organized walkouts, coordinating times to amplify awareness across the Inland Empire. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok were used to share information, graphics, and explanations about the immigration enforcement policies and student rights.
Senior Bosco Wong helped spread information about the event, explaining that the goal was education as much as protest.
“Our goal was to inform the community and make sure they understand what’s happening and why people are concerned,” Wong said.
His statement made it clear that the goal of high school walkouts is not to cause disruption, but to raise awareness for those who may not fully understand the issue or its impact.
School administrators monitored the walkout to ensure student safety. While the district did not officially support the protest, staff members were present as students gathered and later returned to class, showing their cooperation. It is also evident no major incidents were reported.
Across the Inland Empire, student activism has become increasingly visible on issues ranging from immigration policy to environmental concerns.
As discussions surrounding immigration enforcement continue at the national level, students at Los Osos High School plan to stay engaged using dialogue and civic participation to make their voices heard.