AUSTIN, Texas — Students gathered at Austin City Hall on Monday for a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before marching north to the Texas Capitol.
The demonstration, organized by student activist group Pflugerville for Change, was timed for Presidents Day to counter claims that school walkouts are motivated by avoiding class rather than political expression.
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“One of the main reasons students said they wanted to protest today, on President’s Day is because it’s a school holiday,” said CBS Austin reporter Bettie Cross. “They say they’re tired of the suggestions that the real reason they’re out there in front of the schools is because they just want to get out of going to class.”
Organizers called the protest part of a statewide effort and challenged schools in other states and cities to hold similar demonstrations.
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“Don’t wait for permission. Organize peacefully. Protect each other. Make your voices heard,” the group posted on Instagram ahead of the event.