BREAKING: High school students across the nation, including those at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, have staged significant walkouts today, January 30, 2026, to protest the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This urgent demonstration comes as part of a larger movement encouraging students to stand against local ICE enforcement actions.
Student organizer Addisynn Laliberte, a senior at the school, led the walkout during lunch, inspired by recent nationwide events aimed at boycotting school and work. “I had become very emotional seeing everything online. It was heartbreaking, especially for friends affected by ICE,” Laliberte shared, highlighting the human impact of the protest.
Students armed with colorful signs featuring slogans like “I like ICE in my drinks, not in the streets” gathered outside the school, demonstrating their solidarity. Laliberte prepared for the event by creating numerous signs herself, ensuring everyone could participate. “I encouraged people to bring signs, but I made so many because I didn’t think people would,” she explained.
The protest drew substantial attention as students marched alongside Highway 246, receiving affirmative honks from passing drivers. “It was empowering to see everyone proud of what they were doing,” Laliberte noted, capturing the emotional weight of the moment.
Prior to the event, the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District issued a notice to parents, emphasizing their support for student expression while reminding them that leaving campus for protests was against school rules. The district stated, “Although this is not a school or district-sponsored event, we do not want to silence student voices,” affirming the importance of civil engagement in education.
In addition to the protests at Santa Ynez, students from Lompoc Unified School District also participated in similar actions, confirming a wave of student activism sweeping across the region. Communications Specialist Caasi Chavez stated, “We recognize that students have First Amendment protection while at school,” ensuring staff were prepared to facilitate peaceful protests.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been flooded with videos and images of the protests, showcasing the growing movement among youth advocating for change. This nationwide walkout is reminiscent of previous protests in the area, with February 18 marking the anniversary of a significant multi-school walkout last year, led by former student Cesar Vasquez.
As students continue to raise their voices against ICE activities, the impact of their actions is being felt across schools and communities. What began as a lunch-hour protest has transformed into a powerful statement of solidarity and determination, signaling that students will not remain silent on issues affecting their peers and families.
The urgency of these protests underscores a critical moment in the ongoing conversation about immigration policy and enforcement. As students return to class, the question remains: what changes will arise from their courageous actions today?
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
