On February 6, 2026, over one hundred students from North Penn High School in Towamencin, Pennsylvania, participated in a planned walkout to protest against immigration enforcement actions at both local and national levels. The demonstration, organized by the students themselves, drew the support of approximately two dozen local residents who gathered across the street, voicing their solidarity.
As the students exited the school, a steady stream of demonstrators made their way through the parking lot and onto Valley Forge Road. Despite frigid temperatures, they carried signs denouncing federal immigration policies that have marked a significant aspect of Donald Trump’s second term. The atmosphere was charged with energy as music played and chants filled the air, including phrases like “no justice, no peace, no ICE in our streets” and “when I say ‘ICE,’ you say ‘out,’ ICE out.”
Community Response and Support
Across the street, local residents showed their support by holding their own signs and cheering for the students. One supporter shouted, “You guys are brave. You guys are strong.” The protest was widely communicated through social media, encouraging community members to stand with the students. Amanda Lester, a resident of Upper Gwynedd Township, expressed her pride in her daughter, a junior at North Penn, who helped create digital posters to promote the event.
“At first, I wasn’t super supportive of her skipping class, but I realized this is bigger than that,” Lester stated, emphasizing the importance of supporting community initiatives. The students met with school officials to discuss their plans prior to the protest, aiming to ensure their voices were heard.
In a message to students and families, Principal Kyle Hassler acknowledged the students’ right to free speech but reminded them of the potential consequences of leaving class. He noted that participating students would be marked as skipping class, which could impact their academic standing. “These expectations are not intended to discourage student expression, but rather reflect the school’s obligation to uphold attendance and instructional policies,” Hassler stated.
Background on Immigration Policies
The North Penn School District serves approximately 12,808 students across 17 schools, with about 3,100 attending North Penn High School. Recent data shows a diverse student body, including 52 percent white, 20.9 percent Asian, and 10.2 percent Hispanic students. The district has not implemented any specific immigration-related policies, unlike the nearby Norristown Area School District, which established guidelines in January 2025.
Local advocacy groups, such as Montco Community Watch, have been active in monitoring immigration enforcement, documenting at least 114 detentions in Montgomery County since June 2025. This has led to increased community awareness and activism surrounding immigration issues. Demonstrators at the protest highlighted the urgency of protecting marginalized individuals who face potential deportation.
“I can’t sit home and just read and read. I have to get out and do something,” said Donna Lockard, a North Penn High School alumna. Her sentiments echoed a broader community concern about the impact of immigration enforcement on local families.
As the demonstration progressed, participants continued to express their commitment to advocating for those targeted by federal policies. “It’s important to protect marginalized people that are being targeted and attacked in our community,” stated Mary Calderin, a resident from Skippack. “Nobody’s going to be equal until everybody’s equal.”
The North Penn High School protest is part of a broader movement against immigration policies that has gained momentum both locally and nationally, particularly following recent incidents involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Community members hope this student-led initiative will inspire similar actions in other schools, calling for increased awareness and participation in the fight for social justice.
