Students march in protest of ICE activities

Several hundred Buckeye Union School students staged a walk out today to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities across the country.

There was no indication that ICE was working in Buckeye.

Students at Youngker High School staged a similar protest on Monday.

Today’s march in downtown Buckeye took students from the school through downtown to 1st street then back to Buckeye City Hall.

Students carried handmade signs and shouted, “Get ICE off our streets” as they walked on the sidewalks through town.

Several students said they heard about the march through social media.

Buckeye Union High School District Superintendent Steve Bebee said the district did not support the walkout.

"As a school district we in no way support, encourage, or condone any student walk out from any of our high school campuses," Bebee said. "When students violate district policies through their actions, we follow our student handbook and our established district policies.

Bebee said that the YHS and BUHS parents, students and staff that were directly impacted by the walk outs on Monday and this afternoon, "have been clearly communicated with by the district regarding the decisions made by students and the consequences that could be imposed."

"As a district we are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students," Bebee said. "While we respect students’ right to protest, this must be done in accordance with our student code of conduct and district policy."

Buckeye police were on hand for the peaceful march to ensure protesters were safe as they crossed through traffic.

The march in Buckeye follows a similar protest in Phoenix on Tuesday when protestors rallied in response to a raid at Zipps Sports Grill locations throughout the area.