BREAKING: High school students at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School staged a powerful walkout today, January 30, 2026, to protest the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The event drew significant attention as students rallied during their lunch break, echoing a nationwide movement against immigration enforcement practices.
Student organizer Addisynn Laliberte led the charge, inspired by growing concerns over local ICE operations affecting her peers. “I had become very emotional… it was just really heartbreaking, and I have a lot of friends that are being affected,” Laliberte expressed, highlighting the personal stakes involved in the protest.
Initially planned for just 11:30 AM, the walkout quickly transformed into a larger demonstration as students chose to remain outside the school even after classes ended. “We ended up moving locations and staying way past school even ending,” Laliberte noted. The turnout exceeded her expectations, with many students opting to join the protest, some even skipping their afternoon classes.
Witnesses reported that the group marched along Highway 246, receiving supportive honks from passing drivers. “I think everyone in the crowd became very proud of what they were doing,” Laliberte described, capturing the collective spirit of the demonstration.
Prior to the walkout, the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District issued a warning to parents about the planned protest. The district acknowledged the right to student expression but advised that leaving campus was against school rules. However, they emphasized the importance of civil engagement in education.
Other schools in the region, including campuses within the Lompoc Unified School District, also witnessed similar protests, demonstrating a broader wave of student activism. “We recognize that students have First Amendment protection while at school,” said Communications Specialist Caasi Chavez, confirming their awareness of the protests and their commitment to monitoring student participation.
Footage of the Santa Ynez walkout quickly spread across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, amplifying the message of solidarity among students nationwide. The movement highlights a growing trend among young activists advocating for immigrant rights and reform.
As the nation approaches the one-year anniversary of a significant multi-school walkout in Santa Maria against ICE tactics on February 18, the urgency of these protests remains clear. Students like Laliberte are stepping up to ensure their voices are heard, demonstrating the power of youth activism in shaping important societal debates.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as student protests continue to unfold across the country.
