Voices of Anger: Students Mobilize Against ICE Raids in Orange County

On a sun-drenched Friday afternoon in January 2026, schoolyards across Orange County erupted into a chorus of chants and raised fists as students walked out of classrooms. They were unified by a singular purpose: to protest the recent wave of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids sweeping the nation, particularly a controversial operation targeting undocumented immigrants that ignited outrage across America.

The Shadow of Operation Metro Surge

Operation Metro Surge, which began in December 2025, has been noteworthy not just for its scale but also for its brutal tactics. The operation, alleged to have led to unnecessary violence, drew national attention following the deaths of two undocumented immigrants, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during confrontations with federal agents in Minneapolis. This shocking escalation of state power prompted a backlash that rippled to schools as far away as California.

Despite the Trump administration’s insistence that the operation targets individuals with violent criminal records, data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security casts doubt on this narrative. As of late December, a mere 31% of individuals apprehended were classified as having criminal convictions. This statistic further fueled the anger of young activists across the country, who argue that their peers—sometimes even their family members—are being unjustly swept up in these raids.

Students at the Forefront

Among those voicing their frustrations are students from schools stretching from Dana Point to Lake Forest to Anaheim. Adan, a 16-year-old at Anaheim High School, emphasized the urgency of this moment. “I think we should get organized, just like during the civil rights movement,” he said. His call to action reflects a broader sentiment among youth: the desire for agency in a climate where their futures feel uncertain.

• Adan, 16: “I think we should get organized, just like during the civil rights movement.”
• Leon, Senior, Capistrano Valley: “What they’re doing is fundamentally wrong; people are getting murdered on the streets.”
• Ximena, Student, Godinez High: “Every human being should be respected, no matter different colors and shapes.”

At Capistrano Valley High School, hundreds of students emerged from classrooms at 11 a.m., brandishing colorful signs and marching down Marguerite Parkway. “People should feel safe wherever they want,” Rogelio, a sophomore who participated in the walkout, remarked, highlighting the fears that many students harbor in a landscape increasingly dominated by fear and uncertainty.

A Student-Led Movement

The walkouts represent an unprecedented student-led initiative, with organizers asserting that these protests are entirely grassroots. “This is about the students. It’s all student-led, all student-organized,” remarked Amy Stevens, an organizer with OC Indivisible Coalition. The participation levels were staggering; protests took place in schools across the region, including Irvine and Newport Coast, where students employed creative alternatives like sit-ins when full walkouts were restricted.

In Santa Ana, students at Godinez High School marched down Edinger Avenue with anti-ICE slogans emblazoned on their posters. “We came to kick ICE out of Santa Ana,” proclaimed Kiara, a fellow student who, alongside Ximena, echoed the sentiments of many: a call for equality, safety, and humanity.

In the Eyes of Experts

This surge of activism among youth in Orange County is not an isolated event but part of a larger trend. “Today’s youth are not just passive observers; they understand the stakes involved and have chosen to act,” said Dr. Emily Chen, a sociologist at the University of California, Irvine. “Their emotional intelligence engages with the complexities of civic responsibility in ways we are only beginning to understand.” Indeed, a recent survey conducted by the youth-led organization Youth Empowerment Now found that 72% of high school students feel compelled to engage in social justice issues.

Motivated by these insights and their lived experiences, students are initiating dialogues that extend beyond their classrooms. From walkouts to sit-ins, they are forcing educators and policymakers to confront their realities, shaping the future they desire.

A Unified Message

As students from Godinez and Valley High Schools converged on Bristol Street, their chants resonated powerfully through the streets of Santa Ana, creating a tapestry of defiance against oppressive policies. Karla, a student from Valley, shared her aspirations for the movement: “We want to start something big… peacefully and as safely as possible.” This urgent plea reflects a broader desire among young activists for meaningful change, despite the risks associated with standing against institutional might.

In an era of division and anxiety, these students serve as both symbols and agents of hope, blending youthful idealism with grounded pragmatism. Their collective voice is challenging conventional narratives, complicating the discourse around immigration, justice, and, ultimately, the kind of society they wish to inhabit.

As they march, hands linked and spirits high, it is abundantly clear: these young activists are not just protesting; they are building a future—one where human dignity is non-negotiable.