![Wharton High students walk out to protest ICE [Photos]](https://www.newsbeep.com/us-fl/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1770786154_untitled-38-scaled-1920x1024.jpg)
Briana Bebe, 24 of the Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society holds a sign that reads ‘Melt ICE.’ Credit: Dave Decker
Wharton High School students in Tampa walked out of school on Monday in solidarity with students nationwide protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The action, which took place after school hours just outside Wharton’s property, was led by Wildcat SDS (Students for a Democratic Society) with support from Tampa Immigrant Rights Committee, Party for Socialism and Liberation and Democratic Socialists of America.
Florida schools are under pressure from state leaders to stop student protests. Lt. Governor Jay Collins (who is running to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis) and Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas criticized Hillsborough County School Board member Jessica Vaughn last week for saying students who protest quietly with parental permission shouldn’t be disciplined.
Days earlier, Kamoutsas warned teachers and administrators across the state not to encourage or allow student protests during the school day.
Wharton student Talia Moody told CL that she had a protest poster confiscated during lunch, despite being told students could have protest signs in the cafeteria.
“The teacher took my poster away, but that’s when they said we could do it. It was me and like three of my other friends, and that’s why we are out here now instead,” Moody told CL.
Hillsborough County Public Schools spokesperson Debra Bellanti told CL she was unaware of protest signs being taken or any signs at Wharton. She sent the following statement:
Hillsborough County Public Schools does not approve or promote protests during instructional time. While we want to ensure students retain constitutional rights for free expression, we also must make sure any such activity does not interrupt instructional time, school operations, or campus safety. Any violations are reviewed and addressed in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct. When appropriate, disciplinary actions are taken following established policies and procedures.
Parents also showed up to support their Wharton students on Monday. Rose Glazner of Wesley Chapel said her children, both Wharton students, feel strongly about speaking out against ICE’s tactics and policies.
“I’m so proud to be a parent of kids who care so much about other people and who care so much about what’s going on in the world,” Glazner told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “I could not be any prouder.”
Glazner said her family doesn’t know anybody personally who has been detained, but added that they are “terrified.”
“These are real people,” Glazner said. “I’m just horrified that this group is being targeted because you know immigrants are less than half as likely to commit a crime as someone who is a resident, and they contribute to our economy, our culture. I feel like we are more fulfilled as people to have all people.”
A 2024 study from the National Institute of Justice found that undocumented immigrants are arrested at less than half the rate of native U.S. citizens for violent and drug crimes.
Talia Moody, Wharton High School Student holds a sign in protest of ICE tactics in the United States and Florida. Credit: Dave Decker
Rose Glazner, Wesley Chapel resident and parent of two Wharton High School Students, offers water and support to students protesting ICE activity in the U.S. Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: v
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
Credit: Dave Decker
This article appears in Feb. 05 – 11, 2026.
Related