Bishop Blanchet students plan walkout to protest ICE activities
Feb 5, 2026, 10:34 AM
Demonstrators protest, calling for an end to ICE operations in Minnesota. (Photo: Scott Olson, Getty Images)
(Photo: Scott Olson, Getty Images)
A student-led walkout is scheduled to take place at Bishop Blanchet High School (BBHS) on Thursday in protest of recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities.
The walkout is planned for roughly 11 a.m. Students who choose to participate in the walkout will be allowed to do so, although they will be marked with an unexcused absence, BBHS Principal Sam Procopio announced.
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Bishop Blanchet principal outlines walkout rules
Bishop Blanchet noted that, as with all student-organized protests, it recognizes that student voices and civic engagement are valuable parts of learning and community participation.
“We respect each student’s ability to express their views,” Principal Procopio stated. “At the same time, we want to be clear that this walkout is not a school-sponsored event.”
During the walkout, school will remain in session with normal attendance expectations still applied.
Participants in the protest will be marked with an unexcused absence unless a parent or guardian contacts the school in advance. All students with unexcused absences could face disciplinary or academic consequences.
“Our goal is to support students while maintaining a safe and productive learning environment for all,” Procopio stated. “We value student voice and encourage thoughtful expression, while also upholding school policies.”
Whether the absence is excused or unexcused, all students who miss class to join the walkout will be prohibited from participating in extracurricular activities, athletics, or school-sponsored events that day.
Procopio reminded the community to remain respectful toward all walkout participants and non-participants. BBHS staff will actively supervise and support student safety while on campus.
“We ask families to speak with their students about safety expectations off campus, particularly if a student is considering leaving campus during the school day to participate in a protest elsewhere in the city,” Procopio stated.
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