Exemplifying the strength found in unity, an empowered crowd of students proved to be a force to be reckoned with when they united and spoke for those who have been silenced. In light of recent heightened detainments by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) occupation in Massachusetts and throughout the nation, students peacefully organized a school walkout on February 12th, 2026.
Walkouts during the school day have become a popular form of peacefully protesting among students, as they can display their frustrations in a non-destructive manner. The walkout originated with the Instagram account @icedonotbelonginmalden; its initial post promoting the event garnered almost 300 likes and over 300 shares.
During third period extension, students gathered in front of the high school with homemade protest signs to march together to Malden City Hall. Upon arrival, junior Brayan Sorto addressed the crowd: “We speak for all those who have been detained, for all the little children and for all of the families that have been separated and are afraid to say something.”
While the walkout itself did not have outlined legislative demands, its purpose was to advocate against the unjust treatment of immigrants and acknowledge that students are wanting to make a difference in their community.
Junior Michelle Hurtado faced the crowd to read off the names of people who have passed away at the hands of ICE agents or in detention centers. “We would be here for days if I sat here and named all of the immigrants and innocent people who have died in ICE custody,” Hurtado emotionally added.
Sorto led students to bow their heads in a moment of silence to honor the lives lost in ICE custody. He followed this homage with a prayer for the families of those who have passed away, asking for protection of the families of everyone in the crowd.
Sorto then asked students to raise their hands if they are children of immigrants, inviting them to shout out their home countries. A symphony of cries ensued as students proudly represented their countries and why they were standing there supporting the movement. “We’re here to support people that are standing against ICE as well as immigrants and children of immigrants,” junior May Ihiri shared.
“This country has become a country full of hate, full of racism, but at the end of the day we can be more. We can be full of justice. We can be full of love because at the end of the day, nothing is stronger than love,” Sorto expressed.
To conclude the walkout, students began chanting “say it once, say it twice, we will not put up with ICE” as they peacefully walked back to the high school displaying their signs proudly. Principal Christopher Mastrangelo supervised students on this walkout and on the walk back. “I’m so proud of our students who are finding their voice and identifying things in their life that they think are unjust and they’re speaking up in a way that is appropriate and peaceful,” he reflected.
This cause was especially special to the MHS community due to its rich diversity. Mastrangelo noted that ICE’s actions have “affected so many of our students directly.”
While the creator of the walkout wishes to remain anonymous, their initiative sparked a sense of unity in a time of fear for many students participating.
“I invite you to go around and seek out those who are in need of help, so we can accomplish this together. Nobody is an immigrant on stolen land, this land has been made and built upon immigration,” Sorto concluded.
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