More than 500 Portland-area high school students walked out of class Wednesday and marched through the city’s downtown in a coordinated protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), rallying in support of two classmates and their family who were recently detained by federal authorities.
Students from Portland’s public high schools and the private Waynflete School gathered in Monument Square before marching to City Hall, chanting slogans opposing ICE enforcement and calling for “justice” for the detained students.
Extra school buses were arranged to transport participants downtown.
The demonstration followed the detention of siblings Joel Andre, 16, and Estefania Andre, 14, along with their mother and older sister. The family, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, had been denied asylum in Canada and later detained by ICE after their appeal was dismissed.
Student organizers from Casco Bay High School and Waynflete said the walkout was fueled by fear and frustration after news of the detentions spread across campuses. From the steps of City Hall, students described the siblings as well-liked members of the school community, with classmates sharing personal stories about their friendships and activities.
Teachers, community members, and local officials joined the group at City Hall, speaking in support of the family and urging protections for Portland’s immigrant community. The rally concluded with a group performance of “This Land Is Your Land” as students called for unity and solidarity.
