Virginia Beach and Gloucester high school students are planning walkouts on Friday, February 20, 2026, to protest policies and actions related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The planned demonstrations reflect a growing wave of student activism across Hampton Roads and nationally, fueled by concerns over immigration enforcement and its impact on families. This latest round of protests builds on previous student-led actions, including walkouts held last Friday at Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, where students carried signs with slogans like “Immigrants built America” and “we are humans.”
The anticipated walkouts come as school administrators grapple with balancing students’ rights to free speech with the need to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment. Kempsville High School Principal Dr. Tamika Singletary-Johnson addressed the potential demonstration in a letter to families on February 12, citing School Board Policy 5-40, which outlines parameters and consequences for student participation in assemblies during school hours. WAVY.com reports that Singletary-Johnson indicated the school would implement necessary steps to ensure safety.
Student Concerns and Previous Protests
Students at Green Run High School in Virginia Beach held a faculty-supervised protest earlier this month, with over 100 students gathering on the football field to voice their opposition to ICE. One Green Run senior, Misha Zubarev, explained to WTKR News 3 that even as understanding the need for ICE activities, they disagree with certain aspects, stating, “I think it’s wrong to some degree–especially what’s happening to certain families.” According to WTKR, the protest concluded peacefully by 11 a.m.
The walkouts are occurring against the backdrop of increased attention to immigration policy and enforcement. Students around Hampton Roads have been organizing these events to oppose ICE amid what they perceive as a crackdown on immigrant communities. The protests echo similar demonstrations that took place during the Trump administration, highlighting the ongoing concerns about immigration policies and their effects.
School Responses and Safety Concerns
Gloucester High School’s supervisor, Dr. Anthony Vladu, also acknowledged the potential walkout in a statement to families, teachers, and staff on February 9. Vladu expressed concerns about student safety if they depart the school building, noting the security measures in place, including weapon detectors. He stated that the school would develop specific plans to ensure student safety regardless of their participation. Vladu offered the auditorium as a “safe venue for expression” during students’ lunch blocks.
The differing approaches of the two school administrations reflect the challenges of navigating student activism while prioritizing safety and maintaining order. Both schools are attempting to balance students’ constitutional rights with their responsibility to provide a secure learning environment. The situation underscores the complexities of addressing politically charged issues within the school system.
Impact on Students and Community
These student-led protests demonstrate a heightened level of political engagement among young people. The walkouts provide a platform for students to express their views on important social and political issues, and to advocate for change. The events also spark conversations within the community about immigration policy and its impact on local families. The protests are a visible manifestation of the concerns felt by many students and community members regarding immigration enforcement.
The walkouts are expected to disrupt the normal school day, and administrators are preparing for potential challenges in maintaining order and ensuring student safety. The schools are working to minimize disruptions while respecting students’ rights to express their opinions. The events will likely lead to further discussions about immigration policy and the role of students in civic engagement.
As of February 20, 2026, school officials are preparing for the anticipated walkouts and working to ensure a safe environment for all students. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops. Parents and students are encouraged to stay informed through official school communications and local news sources.
The next official update regarding the walkouts is expected from the Virginia Beach and Gloucester school boards following the events on February 20, 2026. They will likely address any incidents that occurred and outline any disciplinary actions taken.
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