FRISCO, TEXASーOn February 11, 2026, Centennial High School students executed a walkout in protest of Immigration, Customs, and Enforcement (ICE). Recently, under the Trump Administration, ICE actions and methods have received backlash and varying responses from people all over the country. Within Texas, many students at different school districts have publicly voiced their opinions: holding silent protests, walkouts, and more. At Centennial, senior Caylee Frazier took it upon herself to plan the walkout.
“The Centennial Walkout gives students a chance to take a stance and show others how they feel. When adults see that even kids are outraged at what’s going on, they can see the level of importance it has. People in Texas need to care about what’s going on in Texas,” Frazier shared.
The protest was advertised on Instagram through a Canva flyer two days prior to the set date. Students were encouraged to either participate in the walkout or to wear red to show their support.
Walkouts have been a way for students to protest what’s been going on in their country. Segregation in the ‘50s, Chicano discrimination in the ‘60s, and, as recently as 2018, during a national walkout advocating for stricter gun laws are all examples. Silent protests are another tactic frequently used to gather support from large masses.
The walkout began during advisory, and those who walked out did not return to school. Students involved created signs and chants used to spread awareness to those driving by. Walking around two miles, going everywhere from Main Street to Coit, and to Preston Road, the students made their voices heard.
The nature of the protest was organic, with most decisions being made on the spot. Participants had only one goal in mind: speaking out and garnering support.
“Some people didn’t agree with what we were doing and flipped us off or yelled at us, but there were a lot of people who cheered or honked to show their support. The energy was really fun, I think we were all excited to use our voices in the way that we can,” junior protester Taylor Kociela shared.
Centennial wasn’t the only school that protested. Students across Frisco Independent School District (ISD), Dallas ISD, and other districts across North Texas walked out during school hours.
In a time when the media gives society more exposure to what’s going on in the world, it’s important to remember the power of the human voice. Speaking up for what you believe in is integral to making the world a better place. Without the most outspoken voices of history, change wouldn’t be possible.
“I sympathize with being afraid, I was too,” senior Divyansha Kulkarni said, “But it is so critical for the betterment of humanity to participate in resistance and voice both your grievances and gratefulness.”
