At approximately 1 p.m. on Monday, February 2nd, around 500 students walked out of their classes one by one to protest ICE’s presence in Kyle, TX. Many students from Lehman and Johnson high schools attended as well. The walkout was organized by the Instagram account @hayshawkwalk, inviting participants to “take a stand against ICE raids in our town” starting in the Live Oak Academy parking lot. Students displayed signs with anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) messages and walked to Kyle City Hall, where the students from all three high schools gathered to protest.
Organizers Thomas Chambless and Jaylyn Cavazos, both juniors, said they feel the protest shows they care for their community.
Chambless said, “We did a great thing. It definitely wasn’t easy, but when we were all able to come together like that, it really showed our city that we care. This could not have happened without the help of my partner Jaylyn, as well as the hundreds of students who worked together to make and give out signs, spread the word, and use their voices to talk about what matters. Amidst the chaos plaguing our country, this was a beautiful moment. Not only for our school, but for everyone in our community.”
Cavazos said, “We are underestimated by many but we will be heard by all. Our voices are strong and will never die out. Most importantly, no one is alone in this fight, and we will never stop speaking up for those who can’t. Many Hays high school students caught on and, as a school, had been working together up to the day, Feb. 2nd, 2026, to walk out together and make history.”
While students marched, faculty did not stand in their way, but there was an official statement from the District to emphasize that students skipping class would face consequences, and the district does not participate in political activity.
An email from chief communication officer Tim Savoy stated, “Though the district takes a strong stance on the integrity of the instructional day, it is not void of understanding the current climate in the country and can respect that some students may feel compelled to exercise their constitutional rights to free speech and expression. Sometimes, individuals feel so motivated to express their views that, upon weighing the potential consequences of breaking the rules, they are willing to accept the ramifications of their actions.”
The route to the city hall was approximately three miles in total from Hays all the way to the Kyle City Hall. Many students walked the whole route. And whenever they arrived at city hall, all of the students began to protest for four consecutive hours at the location. Many students brought microphones, as well as music speakers, to play Latino music. Although the plan was to protest in front of city hall, all of the students were moved to the street in front of city hall by the police.
Many did not take part in the protest, which also resulted in student arrests and an altercation between an adult and students.
Logan Bloodworth, 10, said, “I did not attend due to my moral beliefs and values. Although it is your First Amendment right, I also believe that, as a high school, we aren’t really affected. I understand that perhaps students’ families are being taken by ICE, but I personally believe if you are out protesting, and it has turned violent, in my eyes, it is seen as childish. I know the school district had sent out an email to all of the parents and students regarding consequences and saying that if this ever happens again, many students will be charged with truancy, and I believe they have every right to do that.”
In a Facebook comment, also, student Rae Hallmark said, “I was one of these students. While ICE doesn’t directly affect me, it affects my community. It affects my friends and family, my coworkers, and many more. Speaking out with so many people is the best way to raise awareness for issues. This wasn’t a way for me to skip school. This was an opportunity to speak for those who can’t.”
