Virginia school suspends numerous students after anti-ICE walkout; organizers plan countywide protest

Over 300 students in Virginia faced suspension after participating in a student-organized walkout protesting ICE, which extended beyond school grounds and prompted a police response last Friday morning.

Prince William County Public Schools disclosed to Fox News Digital that as of Thursday afternoon, 303 students had been suspended due to their involvement in the protest.

The walkout took place at Woodbridge High School, where Principal Heather Abney acknowledged that students exited the building to voice their opinions on a matter they deeply care about.

In a communication sent to parents, Abney noted that while walkouts are a recognized form of self-expression, the students had not confined their protest to school property and instead moved off campus.

Woodbridge Senior High School building street view

An anti-ICE demonstration at Woodbridge High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, on February 13, 2026, resulted in hundreds of suspensions. (Google Maps)

The Prince William County Police Department was summoned to manage traffic and ensure the safety of the area during the walkout.

“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.”

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