On February 2, 2026, approximately 80 students from Mount Vernon High School participated in a walkout protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE, and immigration policies under the Trump administration.
Students marched through downtown Fortville, joining a wider movement of students all across the country and state, speaking out against what they see as injustice.
For many students like Abigail Spears, sophomore, the walk out was extremely personal. “I’ve always been outspoken about my politics,” said Spears. “Walking out does make a difference because so many people walked out, and people really look at younger people to see what’s going on in the world.”
Spears explained that ICE has affected those close to her. “I personally know people who have immigrated here or have family who did…I see how scared they are to get their families taken away.” She added, “ I don’t think human rights are political. People should be pulled away from their children and families.”
Anthony Crosby, senior, said recent reports of violence pushed him to act sooner than later. “It came to a point where I thought it was time to do something rather than just talk about it,” Crosby said. “To me, any kind of injustice anywhere is a threat to justice anywhere.”
Crosby mentioned the fear ICE creates even among legal citizens. “I talked to people who wanted to participate, but they were afraid because they’re immigrants and fear retaliation.”
Crosby also talked about the sheer size of the march. “Seeing the streets of Fortville filled with people was incredible.”
Guarmit Kaur, senior, believes that the protest highlights communal responsibility. “ICE is stripping apart families…Coming from a person of color myself, my parents are scared something may happen to me even though I didn’t do anything.”
Kaur recounts one of the walkout’s most powerful moments, hearing others speak. “Listening to students share their families experiences as immigrants was heartbreaking,” she said. “This is not just the present we’re fighting for, it’s also our future. We are young, but we care, and we want real change.”
