On Wednesday, February 18th, a dedicated group of students from Paint Branch joined other high schoolers in the local community by peacefully protesting the Trump administration’s expansion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, more commonly known as ICE. In recent months, students across Montgomery County have gathered to express their disapproval of the administration’s actions, and some Paint Branch students added their voices to the movement.
The walkout, which began just after LAP ended, consisted of speeches, chants, and hand-made signs with each individual sharing their voice in their own way. While many posters held anti-ICE messages, some focused on welcoming immigrants and celebrating diversity. Messages such as “The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of the people” and “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcomed here” stood out.
Locally, the student protests, including those at Blake, Blair, and Springbrook, remained peaceful and organized. In diverse communities like Montgomery County, where many families have immigrant origins, these policies feel especially personal. One of the key points for the young demonstrators is highlighting how national decisions have direct consequences on local communities.
One of the students who took part in the protest, PB junior Nemata Kamara, says she feels especially connected to the issue as “the daughter of two Sierra-Leonian immigrants.” Because of this, she believes that every student who has the opportunity to do so should exercise their voice. Another junior who participated, Ericka Willrich, emphasized that “immigrants do belong in America. Just because you aren’t born in the US doesn’t mean you aren’t valued and important.”
MCPS has shown that it respects students’ right to protest and provides information to help navigate events like walkouts. In an email to the community prior to the protest, PB Principal Dr. Robinson recognized students’ “right to peaceful demonstration and protest” and reminded the community of participation guidelines for students.
