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Abbey Road A candid moment captures students crossing the street on the way to Van Nuys City Hall, reminiscent of the 1969 album cover.
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On Top (L to R) Students from Robert Fulton and Reseda Charter High Schools took their protests above the action.
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**** *** Student uses face paint to show his opinions on ICE.
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The Man of the Hour Organizer Manny Barron walks through crowd of students with loudspeaker in hand.
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Tiny but Might Young student from Robert Fulton leads protest chant.
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Best of Both Worlds Students brought out a multitude of flags showing both their American and Hispanic sides, with majority being Mexican-American flags.
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EIC Vibes VNHSMirror EIC Olamide Olumide makes reference to Billie Eilish Grammy night speech on her protest sign.
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Blow That Horn! Community member joins in on the music with a traditional cultural instrument
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“I Would Never Students created signs referencing the pop culture meme, “I’m Tonka Jahari but I would never order a full pizza for myself.”
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Honk for Change! Senior Sadie Fuenez stands outside of backseat car window with Mexican flag in support of other protestors.
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Snacks? Street vendors were on site in support of student led protest.
On Friday, Feb. 6, students from Van Nuys High School participated in a walkout to Van Nuys City Hall alongside students from several other schools to protest against the recent ICE raids across America.
At Van Nuys High School, the walkout was scheduled for 11:45 a.m. during lunch time. Students from schools that were further away began leaving as early as 8:30 a.m. Some had to take the bus to get to City Hall, while students from nearby campuses like Van Nuys High School and Grant High School walked.
Students from Van Nuys High School, Birmingham High School, James Monroe High School, Grant High School, North Hollywood High School and Panorama High School gathered at Van Nuys City Hall. Middle school students were also present.
Senior Emmanuel Barron of Van Nuys High School helped lead students out of campus, using a megaphone to give directions to City Hall.
“This country was built by immigrants and it will continue to be run by immigrants,” Barron said. “A man saying that an immigrant is the reason why this country is going to ruins is false.”
At City Hall, students held posters expressing support for immigrants.
Some signs read “No one is illegal on stolen land,” “Elect a rapist excpect to be f*cked” and “Morons Are Governing America,” a phrase mocking the MAGA slogan.
Others carried flags of Latin American countries.
Students took turns leading chants through megaphones.
Chants included “What do we want? ICE outta here! When do we want it? Right now!” and “No justice, no peace, no ICE in our streets!”
As cars passed by on the streets, many drivers honked in support or chanted along, while others waved Mexican and Argentine flags out of their windows. Police were also present in the area to direct traffic and help ensure student safety.
Senior Yulyana Rivera of Van Nuys High School, who participated in the walkout last year, described differences between the two events.
“I felt like last year, when the administrators at school started blocking us with golf carts, it made me feel like they weren’t encouraging us to speak out for ourselves and they didn’t think that we’re capable of making an impact,” Rivera said. “This time, they didn’t try to silence us as much. They stood in the hallways telling us to stay safe. I think this time because they knew that people have actually died due to these ICE raids, it’s more extreme than it was last year.”
Brody Sarnoff, a student from North Hollywood High School, explained his reason for participating.
“We thought it was the right thing to do,” Sarnoff said. “I would tell the president and ICE to remember the Constitution and protect our Fourth Amendment right.”
Jay Wood, a student from Birmingham High School who helped organize the walkout, also shared their own motivations.
“So many people are being ripped away from their families. So many people are here making America what it is,” Wood said. “These are the people that are running this country, not the people that are sitting up there in their offices trying to look pretty. Immigrants are the people that are putting in the hard work to make sure we have a living. So I feel like it’s so important that we support this.”
Wood went on to share some words that she would say to ICE if they were present.
“If I was talking to ICE, I’d say f*ck them and they need to get the f*ck out of here,” she said. “If I was talking to our president right now, I’d say that he shouldn’t be president. I’d tell him to do better, wake the f*ck up and lock in.”
Hien Go, a student from North Hollywood High School, said she attended because of how immigrants are portrayed by the government.
“I’m out here because the government claims that we are criminals and that we are monsters,” Go said. “ But in reality, they are the ones that are doing illegal actions against our people and harming us when they are meant to protect us.”
Daniela Navareta, a student from Birmingham Community Charter High School, said she joined the protest to support affected families.
“I’m here to support the families that are scared,” Navareta said. “I’m here for my people. I’m here for those who can’t be here.”
