Last Tuesday, February 10th, in Dinuba, more than 100 students participated in a walkout protest in support of immigrants and to express concerns about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).   Students left their classes at approximately 10:45 a.m. and walked together to a nearby Dutch Bros Coffee, where they continued their demonstration. 

Many students said they learned about the walkout through social media, particularly Instagram, where posts and stories circulated about the planned protest. Students shared details about meeting times, locations, and the demonstration’s purpose, encouraging their peers to join and support the cause. Social media played a crucial role in rapidly spreading awareness across the school, enabling the protest to gain momentum quickly.

The walkout began when students started leaving classrooms and gathering in designated areas around campus. Within 30 minutes, the number of participants grew as more students joined. Witnesses said the group moved in an orderly manner, staying mostly together as they exited campus grounds and walked toward the Dinuba Dutch Bros (1.9 miles).

Justin Rodriguez, a student who participated, said, “I thought it was really great. I think it was time that we finally stood up and spoke out. It was powerful to make that statement, and it was just really nice to see people come out and support something they’re passionate about.”

Students carried Mexican flags and posters expressing how they felt about immigration in the U.S  while chanting and voicing their concerns. Some signs included messages calling for awareness, change, and student unity. Others waved posters to represent their beliefs and show support for the cause. Several students said the protest was meant to raise awareness and allow students to express their opinions publicly.

As the group walked, many students stayed on sidewalks and followed traffic signals, while others documented the event by recording videos and taking photos on their phones. Drivers passing by slowed and observed the demonstration, some honking as students walked past.

Police officers were present during the demonstration and were seen parked nearby, observing the protest. Officers did not intervene and remained on site to monitor safety as students gathered and protested. Their presence appeared to be precautionary, ensuring students’ safety as they walked along public streets and gathered near the business.

The demonstration lasted throughout the late morning. Students gathered in front of the stand, holding their signs up and continuing chants for several minutes. Some participants spoke among themselves about the protest’s purpose and encouraged others to remain peaceful and respectful during the demonstration.  Evelyn Garcia, a junior

student, felt very passionate about the protests. “I thought the protest was very impactful on our youth. I think it’s good for our school to come together during your time like this, especially because the majority of our students are Mexican-American. who have immigrant parents. I think it’s very important and inspirational to younger children, and just our town is.”

Teachers and school staff were reportedly aware of the walkout as it occurred, although classes continued for students who chose to remain on campus. Some students later returned to school after the protest ended, while others chose to leave for the remainder of the day.

Fadra Kiehn, a teacher at DHS, commented on the protest, saying, “I don’t have a problem with students protesting. You’re standing up for something you believe in, and I’m all for it. I especially want students in my class to stand up for everything they believe in. That’s what I teach. I fully support students’ rights and opinions. My only issue is with students who skip class,

 claim to be protesting, but really just want a day off. Students who genuinely stand up for what they believe in absolutely deserve the right to do so, and we should support them.”

Andrew Popp, principal of Dinuba High School, addressed the walkout by emphasizing student safety while acknowledging students’ rights to free expression. “I would never advocate for students to get up and leave classrooms or leave the safety and security of

campus,” Popp said. “I always want to support students’ rights and freedoms of expression and their ability to share their opinions, but for me it comes down to safety.”

Popp added that the school is open to supporting student expression in safe, on-campus ways. He said that if students bring ideas or concerns to administrators or student leadership, the school can help provide appropriate opportunities for students to share their views. According to Popp, no students were disciplined beyond standard attendance procedures for leaving campus during the school day.

Dinuba Unified School District released a statement informing families about the student-led walkout and confirming that approximately 100 students left Dinuba High School and walked toward Dutch Bros Coffee. The district stated that it respects students’ rights to free speech and expression and does not intend to interfere with those rights. However, officials emphasized that leaving campus during the school day may result in unexcused absences and can pose safety risks. The district also noted that local police were monitoring the situation and that student safety remains its top priority.

Several students who participated said they felt the walkout allowed them to stand together and express their views. 

Others mentioned that seeing such a large group of students participate made the event feel impactful and meaningful. Still, others did not see the meaning in the protest.  One Dinuba student who wished to remain anonymous expressed, “I honestly thought it wasn’t really about the protest. I thought some people were just doing it for fun, or because it was their first time doing something like that. I didn’t really care about it, and I didn’t see the impact of it.”

The walkout marks one of the larger student demonstrations this school year, highlighting students’ willingness to organize and participate in events focused on issues they care about.