In the wake of increased activity, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, more commonly known as ICE, has been a point of contention among the American people.

In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump won on a platform that revolved heavily around the deportation and detaining of illegal immigrants who have criminal records. Per the Department of Homeland Security, there were more than 600,000 deportations in his first year in office during his second term leading many to believe ICE was doing its job.

“I personally believe ICE is doing its job very well because its whole purpose is to enforce immigration laws that exist under the DHS. They not only handle issues like deportations but also deal with trafficking and organized crime, which affects public safety,” junior Ashton Shell said.

While some believe that ICE is protecting Americans, incidents like the death of Alex Pretti and deportations of citizens have led many to believe that ICE has not protected Americans but endangered them.

“ICE has not protected Americans, especially because most of the people they have detained do not have a history of violent crime or they aren’t even illegal immigrants at all,” sophomore Gaby Anderson said.

Here in Indiana, ICE has become a major policy issue. Since mid-January, ICE has ramped up its presence in Central Indiana. On Jan 27 the Indiana State Senate passed Senate Bill 76. The bill includes increased co-operation between local law enforcement and ICE. Increased co-operation has also been seen with ICE establishing an office in Carmel. Many have seen this bill in conjunction with the mobilization of the Indiana National Guard as Governor Mike Braun showing President Trump that he is willing to co-operate with the administration at will, raising concerns beyond just that of ICE.

The increased cooperation with ICE and increased ICE presence in Indiana has raised lots of concern, even here at Greenwood. On Feb 6 GHS students followed in the footsteps of other schools like Southport, Fishers, HSE, Shortridge and more. The walkout saw students chanting and displaying signs for roughly 20 minutes towards the end of second PowerHour.

“I do think the walkout was effective because it showed the frustration that the youth of America has and that we are a united front actively seeking change,” Anderson said.

Many non-protestors like Ashton Shell said the protest was ineffective and something beyond the scope of what high school students should be thinking about.

“I don’t think the walkout was effective whatsoever. I think it was brave of the students who spoke out to do that, but at such a young age I think kids need to educate themselves and focus on important things like grades before thinking about walkouts,” said Shell.

Junior Roneekeisha Beaugris, a protest participant, said that the protest was actually effective and had a positive impact on the Greenwood community.

“I think the walkout was effective because it revealed that a lot of kids at Greenwood are aware of the issues in our country and have beliefs that we want to be heard,” Beaugris said.