UPDATE: Hundreds of students across the Bay Area staged a dramatic walkout from classes on January 28, 2026, in response to the recent killings of two individuals by federal agents in Minneapolis. This urgent protest reflects growing outrage over the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and President Donald Trump’s ongoing immigration policies.
The protests unfolded in San Jose and San Leandro, where students from Overfelt High School led a significant march through downtown San Jose. Chanting “No ICE! No wall! Free the families, free them all,” they rallied against what they termed excessive force by federal agents. The march is a direct reaction to the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti over the weekend, which followed the death of mother of three Renee Good in the same city just weeks earlier.
As the students marched, local residents showed support by stepping outside their homes, with some waving American and Mexican flags. The rallying cry was accompanied by drummers, creating a vibrant atmosphere of solidarity and urgency. Footage captured by ABC7’s helicopter revealed a large crowd of students gathering on Hesperian Boulevard in San Leandro, highlighting the widespread nature of the protests.
Keyontae Slayton, a 16-year-old Overfelt student, expressed the feelings of many participants, saying, “What’s happening with ICE right now is not right at all. It really is truly, really bad that people are actually accepting this and thinking this is right.”
This walkout is part of a larger wave of protests occurring across the nation, following the troubling incidents in Minneapolis. The fatalities have ignited a passionate response, particularly among young people advocating for immigrant rights and justice.
Authorities report that these demonstrations may continue in the coming days as tensions rise surrounding immigration enforcement practices nationwide. Observers are urged to stay updated as more students join the movement.
With tensions high and public sentiment shifting, the impact of these protests is significant. The protests underscore growing frustrations with federal immigration policies and assert a powerful message about the need for change.
As the nation watches, the students of the Bay Area have made it clear: they demand justice, accountability, and a comprehensive re-evaluation of ICE’s role in their communities.
