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Colorado Youth Lead Statewide Walkouts Protesting ICE

Students aim to pressure federal immigration enforcement through visible, youth-led action to build lasting civic power.

Overview

  • Hundreds of students across Colorado walked out of class to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement and President Trump's immigration policies on Friday, Sept. 4.
  • Organizers said the protests were rapidly scaled by social media and flyers with leaders including 16-year-old Bre Kennedy, the Colorado Youth Coalition, and The Brown Berets of the Tepetln.
  • Denver Police reported five assaults or altercations at La Alma-Lincoln Park and other sites, said three people were taken to hospitals, and described the demonstration as unpermitted and organized without a safety plan; investigations and suspect identification are ongoing.
  • Local districts including Denver Public Schools, Boulder Valley and Cherry Creek issued statements affirming students' First Amendment rights while Aurora noted many students were off for the Labor Day weekend.
  • Organizers and a political science professor urged peaceful, sustained organizing beyond the single-day walkouts and said continued coalition-building will be needed to convert protest energy into political influence.