TRAVERSE CITY — Students at Traverse City Central High School walked out of classes Friday afternoon to join a national demonstration against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, drawing support from adult protesters and local businesses who praised the young activists.
The protest began around 2 p.m. when students left the building and marched down Milliken Drive before stopping to demonstrate on Front Street. Organizers had secured the necessary permits in advance.
The walkout was part of a broader national response to recent ICE enforcement actions in Minnesota that have drawn criticism from immigrant rights advocates.
More than half a dozen Traverse City businesses participated in the demonstration by either closing for the day or donating a portion of their proceeds to fund care packages in Minneapolis.
Adult supporters gathered alongside the students, many expressing enthusiasm about youth political engagement.
“Students really are the future,” said John Despeleder, an observer at the demonstration. “We’re so excited to see that there are high school students that are willing to take the time, risk getting some penalties for going out of school early.”
He added that seeing handmade signs and student participation was “fantastic” and “so important these days.”
“We welcome engagement by everybody,” he said, identifying himself as part of Traverse Indivisible. “We’re just thrilled to see students, high school students, in this case, students of all kinds get engaged with this kind of work.”
Jen Watson, another adult protester, said the demonstration was “inspiring.”
“Kids are all right,” Watson said. “They could have just cut school today, and they’re doing this instead. They’re standing up for their neighbors, standing up for themselves.”
Geno Sanchez echoed that sentiment, saying the intergenerational nature of the protest was meaningful.
“We have to be out here to support them,” Sanchez said.
Student organizers characterized the demonstration as an educational experience for participants, allowing them to engage directly with civic activism and free speech rights.