By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
An estimated 130 students participated in a walkout at Bowling Green High School on Thursday morning, shining a light on ICE treatment of immigrants and the fear felt by some of their classmates.
The students held signs stating “Hate doesn’t make America great,” “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” and “Those who forget history are bound to repeat it.”
School administration was made aware that some students were planning a student-led, voluntary walkout during non-instructional time to express their views. This activity was not organized, sponsored, or endorsed by Bowling Green City Schools, according to a press release sent out by the administration.
The press release stressed that school administrators ensured appropriate supervision and safety measures were in place.
The district’s response to the walkout was guided by Board Policy 5520 regarding student demonstrations, which states that, “Students shall not be disturbed in the exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to assemble peaceably and to express ideas and opinions, privately or publicly, provided that such exercise does not infringe on the rights of others and does not interfere with the operation of the schools.”
Students who chose to participate did so in a peaceful and orderly manner, while students who remained in class continued with study hall activities.
“We appreciate the cooperation of our students, families, and staff as we work to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment,” the press release stated.
BGHS student Lilee Rolen said she was motivated to organize the walkout after the family of a friend of hers was held then released from an ICE detention center.
Rolen wanted other students to understand the gravity of his moment in America, and wanted to give them an opportunity to stand up for others.
“According to the American Immigration Council, January 2026 saw a shocking number of deaths tied to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE,” she said through a megaphone to her fellow students. “This includes fatalities inside immigration detention centers as well as deadly shootings involving ICE agents in public spaces.”
The immigration council cited the deaths of eight people in January while being detained by ICE.
“Clearly people need to speak about the amount of unjustified deaths happening due to ICE,” she said.
Rolen talked about the fear that some of her classmates are experiencing – especially after a report was circulated about a possible ICE sighting in Bowling Green. A big black SUV with black-out windows and masked people inside was reportedly seen at an immigrant-owned business in town, she said.
“They are having to worry if their family will still be there when they get home from school. Now that is a fear I could never begin to understand,” she said. “I will never know what it’s like being targeted based on your skin color feels like, so I’ll let someone who does tell it.”
Andrea Pizana, whose grandma immigrated from Mexico and is now an American citizen, knows people who are scared of the actions of ICE.
“I can’t imagine a world where she is violently taken away,” Pizana said of her grandma.
“We stand here in solidarity with the communities that are being violently targeted every day. As a Mexican American, I’ve seen and heard first hand the devastations that my community is facing,” she said to her fellow students gathered for the walkout.
Pizana spoke of the beautiful Mexican culture of food, music and dance. “We wouldn’t be the country we are without it.”
“My community has been at war fighting for our loved ones, our rights, and our freedoms. What’s been happening is horrific, bitter and tragic,” she continued. “There is no reason to be calling us aliens, savages or monsters. There is no reason I as a United States citizen should have to carry proof of citizenship because I’m now targeted for how I look. There is no reason to be killing people in the streets.”
Pizana asked people to show more empathy.
“The more we normalize what is happening, the more dangerous it becomes. Protect one another, because we are the future,” she said.
Speaking later in the day, Pizana noted that many people have the privilege to look away, because the current immigration policy doesn’t directly affect them.
“People in my community don’t have that privilege, we can’t. Ignorance to the violence is dangerous because it normalizes it,” she said.
Pizana talked about her grandma, who has been an example of resilience.
“I am the result of her sacrifices and hard work to be here, and I will never stop fighting for people like her,” she said.
“My generation is criticized every time we speak on this topic. I read comments and posts all the time saying we’re ‘too young and uneducated’ or we’re ‘too sensitive.’ When I read them I laugh, because in my opinion I don’t think we’re loud enough, and I know I don’t plan on getting quiet anytime soon.”
Another student, David Shell, spoke to his classmates during the walkout.
“Our system teaches us to fear the people we don’t understand. The system shows others as a danger because of our differences, and this is especially true when it comes to race,” he said.
“Words such as ‘violent’ or ‘unruly’ diminish and dehumanize people of color in a way that is unacceptable and shameful,” Shell said. “From this country or not, your cultural identity should never come at the cost of your life.”
“With the recent agenda of our administration, it is extremely important to know that this system is built on the backs of immigrants, and that no one is illegal on stolen land,” he said.
Also speaking was Alia Diamantes, who talked to her fellow students about the history of the holocaust, and the risk of repeating that kind of hatred.
“Please protect our neighbors. They have a right to be here and be loved. Please don’t let history repeat itself,” she said. “And most of all, please remember that your voice matters. Silence is absolutely violence. Stand up tall for those who can’t, and always fight for what is right. Together we win.”
