Student Walkouts Intensify Across Arizona Ahead of January 30 Community Action

State Senator Analise Ortiz (D-AZ) publicly voiced her support for high school students across the state who have organized walkouts protesting recent immigration enforcement activities.

As of recently, protests have intensified across Arizona in response to mounting immigration enforcement actions, including the Zipps Sports Grill operation and escalating federal activity in Minnesota.

Speaking from the state legislature, Sen. Ortiz specifically recognized students and dozens of schools across the Valley, including:

• Apollo High School
• Independence High School
• Arizona College Prep
• Bioscience High School
• Buckeye High School
• Cactus High School
• Camelback High School
• Central High School
• Cesar Chavez High School
• Cortez High School
• Dysart High School
• Gilbert High School
• Glendale High School
• Greenway High School
• Metro Tech High School
• North High
• Shadow Ridge High School
• Washington High School

"We want to recognize and honor the courage, the bravery, and the leadership" of these students, Ortiz said, comparing their activism to historical youth-led movements against the Vietnam War and current pro-Palestine demonstrations.

Young people have always driven change in America, and these high school students are exercising constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and petition.

Ongoing Community Organizations

By January 28, reports show walkouts had spread to communities including Avondale, Tolleson, Goodyear, Chandler, Mesa, and Scottsdale.

Students at Arcadia High assembled along Indian School Road, while their peers from Camelback High marched to U.S. Senator Mark Kelly's (D-AZ) downtown Phoenix office and a large gathering at the State Capitol.

The senator recounted a conversation with a Mesa high school student whose best friend's father had been detained by immigration authorities.

"I shouldn't have to worry about this. I'm in high school," the student told her. "I should be worried about my grades or even silly drama amongst my friends, not about politics."

Today, January 30, has shaped up to be a day of action, calling on people to gather peacefully. As part of this, several establishments have announced closures, including:

• Changing Hands Bookstore
• Baseline Flowers
• Boycott Bar
• Dahlia Tapas Tequila and Wine
• Jewels Bakery and Cafe
• Lovebite Dumplings
• Title 9 Sports Grill
• Tres Leches Cafe
• Cafecito Pecas
• Bang Bang Coffee
• The Coronado

As Senator Ortiz stressed, students are balancing academic responsibilities with advocacy for issues affecting their families and communities; her message to student activists was clear: "We stand with you, and we are proud of you. Keep leading."