On Friday, February 20, 2026, several Edmond North students participated in a walkout to the Edmond City Clerk’s Office to protest against ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
The walkout was a peaceful protest organized by senior Abby Robertson.
Why walkout?
The Edmond North protest is one of many across the state of Oklahoma.
According to GAO (U.S Government Accountability Office), ICE unlawfully deported 70 potential U.S. citizens in 2015 to 2020. But what truly set off the nationwide outrage against ICE was the shooting and killing of Reneé Good, a 37 year-old mother of three, and Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, who were both protesting ICE at the time of their deaths.
The walkout
Robertson was motivated to organize the protest when she saw an illustration from a detained child titled “Mi Familia”.
“I can’t begin to describe what I felt looking at this drawing. After a couple sleepless nights, I felt like I had to put my energy towards something positive.”
Robertson worked with school administration to ensure that the walkout would be as safe as possible.
The turnout shocked many, including Robertson, “I expected maybe 50 people? It was so overwhelming… I didn’t realize what a community there was at North, and it was so moving.”
Students walked with their signs from the school to Edmond’s City Hall where several students gave speeches to the crowd of protesters.
Edmond North senior Ollie Fox felt that she had a responsibility to protest for those less fortunate than her.
“As a student who isn’t at risk of being approached by ICE or questioned by them, it’s not only a privilege to speak out for those who do, but it’s a responsibility,” Fox said.
Fox also feels there is a real risk of wrongful detainment and deportation of citizens here at North.
“A really close friend of mine, who is a citizen, has had ICE knock at her door, and hearing about the issue with ICE getting so close to home is honestly extremely frightening… Nobody can deem themselves safe.”
Robertson believes peaceful protests are important in making a change.
“Even if the desired goal isn’t reached, a peaceful protest will always accomplish at least one thing: they will know that we do not stand for this. Students need to continue speaking up for their beliefs. I am a firm believer that silence in the face of injustice is compliance.”
If you’re interested in future protests, follow @enhs.walkout on Instagram.
