Students across Baltimore County, Maryland, are planning walkouts on , to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, following a similar demonstration at Baltimore City College High School on Thursday. The planned protests reflect growing student activism concerning immigration enforcement practices and broader concerns about civil rights.
The walkouts are prompted, in part, by recent ICE activity in Minneapolis and a desire to pressure the Maryland General Assembly to pass legislation restricting cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration agencies. Students are also advocating for a ban on face coverings by ICE agents during operations.
Delegate Urges Schools to Prevent Disruption
Del. Nino Mangione, a Republican representing parts of Baltimore County, has written to Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) leadership urging them to “take any and all actions necessary to prevent any disruption of BCPS operations.” In a letter posted to social media, Mangione expressed confidence that school leaders would agree that such activity “has no place in the Baltimore County school system.” He referenced a flyer circulating among students at Hereford High School indicating a planned walkout at 11:30 a.m. On .
While acknowledging the right to protest, Mangione stated that such activities should be conducted outside of school hours. He requested an update from the school district on measures being taken to prevent the walkout and offered his assistance.
School System Response
BCPS officials have indicated that students participating in peaceful and non-disruptive walkouts will not face disciplinary or academic consequences. A spokesperson stated that students must adhere to school leadership’s guidance and rules to ensure safety. However, any behavior violating the Student Handbook during or immediately following the walkout will be subject to appropriate consequences.
Baltimore City College Demonstration
On , students from Baltimore City College High School, currently operating from a temporary location at the University of Baltimore campus, marched to Pearlstone Park, carrying signs and chanting in protest. Participants described the demonstration as bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, and faiths.
Legislative Efforts in Annapolis
The student protests coincide with legislative efforts in Annapolis to limit cooperation between Maryland law enforcement and ICE. Students are specifically advocating for the passage of Senate Bill 0001 and House Bill 0155, which would prohibit ICE agents from wearing face coverings during operations. They are also supporting broader legislation aimed at restricting collaboration between schools and ICE, and preventing the establishment of detention facilities within their communities.
Broader Concerns and Motivations
Students involved in the protests expressed concerns about what they described as a “lack of humanity” in ICE’s actions. Keira Thompson, a student at Baltimore City College High School, articulated this sentiment, referencing a poster displayed during the demonstration. Tylea Booker, also a City College student, emphasized the importance of giving a voice to immigrant communities, stating that immigrants are “the foundation of our community.”
The planned walkouts and legislative push reflect a growing movement among students and advocates to challenge immigration enforcement policies and advocate for the rights of immigrant communities in Maryland. The debate highlights the complex interplay between local, state, and federal authorities on immigration matters, and the increasing willingness of young people to engage in political activism on issues they deem critical.
The bills currently under consideration in the Maryland General Assembly seek to terminate existing 287(g) agreements – partnerships allowing local police and jails to collaborate with ICE – and prevent the creation of new ones. Supporters argue these agreements erode trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, potentially hindering crime reporting and cooperation with investigations. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for racial profiling and civil rights violations.
Senate President William C. Smith (D–Montgomery County) has voiced strong support for the legislation, stating that Maryland is “no longer going to formally cooperate with an agency that is engaged consistently and persistently in civil rights and constitutional rights abuses.”
