Hundreds of Detroit students walk out of class to protest federal immigration enforcement

January 31, 2026

Hundreds of Detroit students walked out of classes on Friday as part of a nationwide protest against recent federal immigration enforcement actions, specifically responding to ICE-related killings in Minneapolis and detentions affecting their own school community. At least five students from Detroit Public Schools Community District have been detained by ICE since the Trump administration intensified immigration enforcement, with one student already deported to Colombia. The protests reflect growing fear in immigrant communities, with students demonstrating in solidarity with detained peers and family members while demanding stronger protective policies from their school district.

Who is affected

Detroit Public Schools Community District students, particularly those at Cass Technical High School and Western International High School
At least five DPSCD students detained by ICE, including Maykol Bogoya-Duarte (deported), Santiago Jesus Zamora Perez, Kerly Mariangel Sosa Rivero, Antony Janier Peña Sosa (detained), and Mor Ba (released on bond)
Students and families in Southwest Detroit's immigrant communities
Justin Perez (whose church member was detained and uncle awaits deportation)
Parents and students in Ypsilanti (where four people were reportedly arrested near a school bus stop)
Teachers and community members advocating for sanctuary policies

What action is being taken

Students are walking out of schools and marching in protest
The Michigan Senate is holding hearings for bills to restrict immigration enforcement at sensitive locations including schools
Education advocacy groups are speaking out about the impact of immigration enforcement on students
Teachers, students, and community members are pushing the district for stronger sanctuary policies

Why it matters

This matters because immigration enforcement actions are creating widespread fear in immigrant communities, directly disrupting students' access to education and sense of safety. The detention and deportation of students from the school district demonstrates that enforcement is affecting school-aged children and their ability to continue their education. The situation highlights the tension between federal immigration policy and students' constitutional rights to education, as well as the broader impact on community trust and student wellbeing when peers and family members face detention or deportation.

What's next

The Michigan Senate bills restricting immigration enforcement at sensitive locations are under consideration
Students, teachers, and community members continue demanding policy changes from DPSCD, including better transportation options for families with immigration concerns, know-your-rights training, and mandatory staff instruction on interacting with immigration agents

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com