ACHS students walk out, protest ICE killings and occupation
Nearly every student on campus walked out of American Canyon High School’s A Building during brunch on Friday, joining a nonviolent protest tied to the nationwide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Out movement and transforming a tense school day into a show of collective student action. The walkout occurred as roughly half of ACHS students were already absent due to a bomb threat scheduled for that day, leaving campus quiet before the protest shifted the atmosphere entirely.
For junior Gian Buna, the motivation to participate was personal. “ICE affects me directly as most of my family are immigrants,” he said. “Even though they’re registered as U.S. citizens, there’s no telling what these cowards might do to my family once they see that they’re minorities.” Buna added that he felt the moment demanded action. “Now’s the time more than ever to make sure your voice is heard and stand up for your community.”
Junior Zianna Bailon echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the unity she felt during the walkout. “The ICE walkout definitely helped me understand the extent to how much my classmates care for what is happening in our country,” she said. “It’s one of the few moments that brought a real sense of togetherness and community to the school.”
Bailon, who said friends of hers had been detained by ICE, explained that the protest reflected both fear and solidarity. “It makes me feel scared for the potential victims that may be taken from my life—people that I truly love and care for.”
After exiting the A Building, students left campus and dispersed, with many heading straight home. A smaller group continued protesting beyond school grounds, marching along American Canyon Road toward Highway 29 while holding signs and flags.
The group, made up of students including Ashley Mejia De Leon, Ceonne Ibarra Manriquez, Itzel Teodoro Rodriguez, Emily Perez Reyes, Michael Morales, Jesus Alvarez and a dozen others, chanted slogans such as “education not deportation” and “we all bleed the same blood” as passing cars honked in support.
“We have a message to say, and I hope it gets across today,” one student protester said, prompting cheers from the group. While they reported receiving significant positive feedback, students also described verbal harassment from some drivers. One freshman recalled a man in a truck yelling profanities and telling them to go back to school. Despite this, the protesters said they remained focused on making their voices heard.
English teacher Arthur Bangs, known for teaching civil disobedience as a tool for political change, said he believed the peaceful protest would not be shut down. “Students have the right to go out and assemble,” he said. Bangs also expressed empathy and concern for his students, particularly those directly impacted by federal immigration enforcement.
Principal Karin Hatton said that while teachers were aware of the planned walkout, the administrative staff had not been informed beforehand. Still, she emphasized that student safety and representation remained her priority.
“It’s encouraging to see young people finding that voice and speaking up with that voice, trying to make something different,” Hatton said. She added that students deserved to access education without fear. “All students should have that right and ability to not fearfully come to school.”
An anonymous student, who immigrated to American Canyon as a child, shared her perspective with the Wolfie Gazette. “I was a 12-year-old trying to find my way around a place completely unknown,” she said, describing how her family faced language barriers and racism while adjusting to life in the U.S. For her, the protest represented hope. “It makes me unbelievably happy to see that people do care and that there is a chance for change.”
Bailon agreed, pointing to the broader culture at ACHS. “The students and student body are especially proud advocates of equality,” she said. For many participants, the walkout was less about disruption and more about visibility, but an effort to build awareness, solidarity, and a sense of protection for students and families affected by immigration enforcement.
