Hundreds of Corpus Christi Independent School District students walked out of class Thursday afternoon to protest the continuing ICE presence in the city.

Students had multiple reasons for supporting the walkout, from opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s increased arrests since the Trump administration took office for moral reasons, as well as the direct effects on their families. 

“My father was detained, and I’m … honestly, it’s very sad. It’s very difficult without him. Without him, me and my mom are just by ourselves, and we need him,” said CCISD student Evelyn Colchado. “I’m not old enough, I still depend on my dad, and I just want him back. I just really want him back; I miss him a lot. I really miss him. And I’m just so scared that he’s gonna get deported. I’m scared.”

A flyer was posted on social media on Feb. 1 by an Instagram account by the name of 361fuckice, encouraging CCISD students to join a peaceful school walkout in protest of ICE. The account stated the walkout was about raising awareness and calling for accountability.

Students from Veterans Memorial, Miller, Carroll, King, and Ray high schools were seen protesting across the city. Similar high school walkouts have been occurring throughout Texas and the country.

King students walked from Mustang Trail to South Staples Street near South Padre Island Drive outside of La Palmera Mall, holding hand-lettered protest signs as cars honked in solidarity.

Students from Ray marched all the way to Shoreline Boulevard in downtown Corpus Christi and met up with Miller High School students, then continued as a group all the way down to City Hall.   

“As a Mexican American, I feel that I am in two worlds, and one of them is being torn away from me by the current regime and government,” said Ray High School senior Carlos Martinez.

In a Facebook post on Feb. 5 Corpus Christi Independent School District shared that they were aware of rumors of a protest and outlined reminders of district procedures including that activities not a part of the planned instructional day are not permitted on school property; students who are not in class will receive an unexcused absence; and students under the age 18 must be signed out by a parent or guardian and any leaving without permission are subject to the Student Code of Conduct. 

When asked about the consequences of walking out of school, Ray High School sophomore Arya Graham said, “Getting in trouble? You know, families [are] being separated.”

Commenters on the CCISD post were divided, some praising the students for civic involvement. Others criticized students planning on joining the walkout. “Bet the ones who walk out aren’t even passing government or history to fully understand what this is really about and why it’s happening,” posted Facebook user Genna Pherr.

Students disagreed. 

“Deep down in my heart, I know what’s right and wrong,” said CCISD student Rin Garcia at the protest. “I may be a teenager but at the end of the day, we should all know this is wrong what ICE is doing and what Trump is doing.”