YAKIMA, Wash. – Hundreds of high school students in Yakima took part in a walkout organized by the Washington Youth Alliance. The event saw students from four high schools, including A.C. Davis, marching into downtown Yakima to protest against ICE.
Eisenhower High School junior Anna Baldelamar expressed her determination to make a difference.
“We’re not staying silent. We want our voices to be heard and we just want everyone to come and join us and fight for justice,” she said.
Anna was joined by her friend and fellow junior, Jaqueline Salazar. She was heartened by the community’s support.
“I feel proud because our community is out here. They’re taking families, parents, children, actually, too. And it just makes me feel bad. I just want to come out here to support them,” said Salazar.
The walkout included students from A.C. Davis High School who walked a half mile to downtown Yakima. In one instance, the walkout got out of hand where students gathered around a truck at a stoplight, expressing their message.
For Anna, the walkout held personal significance.
“My family was affected by ICE. My dad was taken from ICE, so I feel like it’s right to come out here and speak about it when my family was affected,” she said.
Jaqueline emphasized her desire for more equality and liberty for everyone, regardless of skin color.
Yakima School District released the following statement on Thursday leading up to the protests:
“Per district policy, students who leave their assigned class without permission will be marked absent, and standard attendance policies will apply. This includes students who remain on school grounds but are not in their assigned setting.”
“For anyone who chooses to participate in off-campus activities, please prioritize safety. Stay with trusted adults or people you know, remain aware of your surroundings, and keep your phone charged.”
