Students at King, Carroll, Veterans Memorial, and Ray participated in coordinated walkouts, citing concerns over deportations and immigration policies.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Students at multiple Corpus Christi high schools walked out of class Thursday in a coordinated protest over immigration enforcement policies, according to the students.
3NEWS caught up with students from King High School who gathered at La Palmera Mall following the walkout.
One student said he joined the walkout because he believes current policies are harming working families.
“It’s not OK — what they are putting on the American people,” he said. “People are trying to go to work, live their lives.”
He said the demonstration was organized through an Instagram page created by students.
“We created an Instagram page. Everyone shared it and we made a meet-up spot,” he said.
He also described a personal connection to the issue, saying a friend’s mother was deported.
“It still breaks my heart,” he said.
Another student said several former coworkers were deported in recent months.
“My mom has some great friends and they worked hard every day and they unfortunately got deported for no reason,” he said.
The student said one man was deported first, followed months later by four others.
“One day four of them got deported as soon as they left the house,” he said. “They were just hardworking men, and I truly miss them.”
The student said he believes deportation should focus on individuals who commit crimes.
“I only truly believe people should get deported if they’re doing something bad or breaking the laws,” he said.
A third student at King High School said she joined the walkout to stand in solidarity with others.
“I am here because as a white woman, I want to protect innocent people,” she said.
In a statement issued last week amid similar social media messages and rumors about protests, the District said student safety remains a top priority.
The District emphasized that activities not part of the planned instructional day are not permitted on school property and that students who leave campus during class without permission will receive an unexcused absence.
Students under 18 may only leave school during the day when signed out by a parent or guardian, according to the District. Violations are subject to the Student Code of Conduct.
While acknowledging student expression, a district spokesperson said threats affecting students and staff are taken seriously.
“While we respect student voice and freedom of speech, all threats affecting students and staff are taken seriously,” the spokesperson said. “Even threats intended as pranks may result in disciplinary or legal action.”
The District also noted that additional security measures may be visible on some campuses as a precaution to maintain a safe and welcoming learning environment.
Last week, students at Flour Bluff High School also participated in a student-led walkout.
In a statement at the time, Flour Bluff Independent School District officials said they were aware of the protest and noted that activities not part of the planned instructional day are not permitted on school property. The District said it would continue to follow guidance from the Texas Education Agency related to student walkouts and attendance and emphasized that its primary mission remains providing a safe, supportive learning environment focused on education, growth and opportunity for every student.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.