HomeUSVirginia Students Face Suspension After Anti-ICE Walkout, Spark Plans for Countywide Protest

Virginia Students Face Suspension After Anti-ICE Walkout, Spark Plans for Countywide Protest

Share and Follow

Over 300 students in Virginia faced suspension following their participation in a student-organized protest against ICE that extended beyond school premises, prompting a response from law enforcement on Friday morning.

Prince William County Public Schools informed Fox News Digital that by Thursday afternoon, 303 students had been suspended.

At Woodbridge High School, Principal Heather Abney noted that the students exited the school building to voice their opinions on a matter they consider significant.

In a communication sent to parents, Abney clarified that while walkouts are a recognized form of expression, the students involved did not stay within the confines of the school and instead left the campus.

Woodbridge Senior High School building street view

The protest at Woodbridge High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, which resulted in numerous suspensions, took place on February 13, 2026. (Google Maps)

The Prince William County Police Department was called to manage traffic in the area and provide supervision.

“We appreciate your partnership as we continue to prioritize student safety while maintaining clear expectations for appropriate conduct during the school day,” Abney wrote.

After the suspensions, an Instagram account called @pwcs_iceout, which stands for Prince William County Schools ICE OUT, was allegedly launched by students to promote another walk out on Friday.

Anti-ICE protesters holding signs

Protesters gather at 45th and Lamar in Austin, Texas, on Jan. 8, 2026, to rally against ICE following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good. (Stephanie Tacy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“It’s time to take a stand and we are grateful to have the opportunity to exercise our constitutional rights,” organizers wrote in a post. “As the walkout happening on Friday, February 20th will be county wide, it’s important to understand every campus has slightly different layouts and procedures, please stay alert for detailed instructions from us and your local student organizers regarding specific meetup spots.

“Rest assured that all school administrations have been informed of our plans, so participating will not get you in trouble.” 

In response to a commenter, the account clarified that the walkout is not “endorsed or approved” by school administrators.

Students were instructed to bring posters, flags and speakers to the upcoming walkout.

Organizers cautioned participants not to “fight, throw things or cause conflict.”

“Peaceful protests are much more powerful as they show that your voice matters, that you stand together, and that the message is about the issue, not conflict,” they wrote in another post. “Staying calm and focused allows everyone to be heard safely and makes a bigger impact in the long run.”

Share and Follow