Blair students participate in “Education not Deportation” Walkout

This is an ongoing story and will continue to be updated as events unfold.

Students at Walkout (2)

Photo: Students cheer as organizers speak at the walkout.

Students cheer as organizers speak at the walkout. Photo courtesy of Zach Carter.

At 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 12,  students at Montgomery Blair High School walked out of school to protest deportation initiated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). School administrators were informed about the event beforehand, and flyers were distributed across Blair in the days leading up to the walkout. 

Students remained on school grounds for the entire event, beginning the walkout clustered in front of the bus loop. They made their way to the school courtyard with their chants filling the air, “Say it once, say it twice, we will not put up with ICE.” Signs reading “No human is illegal” and “Solidarity has no borders” dotted the crowd, echoing the students’ cries. As attendees strictly stayed on school grounds, student organizers gave speeches and expressed their concerns with the Trump administration’s recent deportation efforts.  

Sophomore Saba Berhe, who helped co-organize the walkout, gave a speech and displayed her frustration with the recent administration’s actions. She feels it’s imperative for students like her to raise their voice on issues pertinent to the Blair community. “I believe it’s necessary for us students to advocate to support our communities,” she says. 

The walkout followed a recent quota set by the Trump administration to arrest 3,000 undocumented migrants per day. As a result of the quota, protests have ensued across the country, causing uproar in cities like Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Seattle. The administration claims to have taken these steps in response to public safety threats. Joe Vogel, a delegate for Maryland’s 17th district, however, rejects this rationale.  “I think a walkout like this is an example of a peaceful form of protest that has been used over the course of this country’s history to show opposition … to show our disagreement with the policies of the federal government right now,” Vogel says.

Blair’s community engagement officer, Mallory Amaya, praised the turnout and commended students for their initiative. “It’s not just the students, but also the staff and community who came out,” she explains. “I love Blair, and I’m glad that you guys are trying to make your voices heard.” 

Similarly, junior Chloe Rodriguez considered the demonstration as a vital stand for Blair's student safety as well as dignity. “This affects all of us,” she says. “They’re deporting people who were born here, so we can’t wait for things to get worse before we speak up.” 

The Blair Chapter of Students For Asylum and Immigration Reform (Students F.A.I.R) initiated the walkout and promoted the event. To learn more about immigration advocacy events and opportunities to get involved, stay updated on their Instagram.