Norman North High School students held a walkout Thursday in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
About 150 students gathered by the school’s flagpole and lined Stubbeman Avenue with signs, whistles, flags and speakers.
Aubrey, a freshman at Norman North, said she is protesting because she believes ICE is “ripping families apart.”
“ICE is just taking advantage of their lawful power,” Aubrey said. “ICE needs to get out, ripping the families apart is horrible.”
Jasmine, another Norman North freshman, said she heard that students would be suspended if they missed class for the protest, which she believes should not be the case.
“We were told that if we came outside, we would be marked absent and we wouldn’t be able to enter the school,” Jasmine said. “We’re not physically hurting (anyone).”
Maura, a freshman at Norman North, said it’s important for students to organize demonstrations to exercise their First Amendment rights. She also said she had heard rumors of students being suspended for missing class for the protest, which she believes shouldn’t be an issue.
“People need to use their first amendment rights and we need to speak out for these kinds of things,” Maura said. “We shouldn’t be able to get suspended. … We shouldn’t make (peaceful protests) an issue.”
Parents and community members joined the protesters, including Norman resident Cynthia Teague, who showed support for students by holding flags.
“I’m really proud of them for taking a stance against the illegal behavior of ICE and the way that ICE is targeting communities and targeting people who may or may not be citizens but certainly don’t need to be swept up and harassed in this way,” Teague said.
Teague believes it’s important for students to express their voices because of their impact on future generations.
“This is their country and to see them taking an active part in shaping it is really important, and I just want to encourage that,” Teague said.
Zakk Flash, a member of Saint Benezet Catholic Worker Community of Oklahoma City, brought a speaker and megaphone to support students, and helped lead chants.
“These students are out here rallying around their community and immigrant neighbors, and we want to show that the faith community, that members of the nonprofit community, that we have an entire community that’s here to support these kids,” Flash said.
Norman Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman made an appearance at the protest, posting on his Instagram story that he was proud of students for organizing the walkout.
"Students at Norman North High School walked out today to exercise their 1st amendment right to protest and free speech over the actions of I.C.E.," Holman wrote. "I'm very proud of them for learning how to organize and stand up for what they believe in."
In an email to Norman North families, the district wrote it was aware of the protest and that it was not a school- or district-sponsored event, but that it worked with student groups that organized the event.
“Norman Public Schools acknowledges our students’ first amendment right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. We are working closely with students and student groups who wish to assemble to help ensure their safety as they express themselves regarding issues they are passionate about,” the district wrote. “Our priority remains teaching and learning, while also providing guidance and support for student and staff safety.”
The district encouraged families to speak with students about the importance of attending class and following school rules, while also allowing space to discuss issues that are important to them.
“Our schools are places for learning, respectful dialogue, and care for one another,” the district wrote. “We remain committed to providing safe, orderly, and supportive learning environments for every student.”
NPS Communications Coordinator Jaron Spor confirmed students were allowed to enter the building after the walkout.
"They were asked to leave any signs in the office for the remainder of the school day," Spor wrote. "They were allowed to pick them up at the end of the day."
ICE at OU, in Oklahoma
In February 2025, Gov. Kevin Stitt implemented Operation Guardian, a deportation initiative by Oklahoma Highway Patrol in partnership with ICE. The initiative allows the apprehension of immigrants lacking permanent legal status, transferring them from state custody to federal custody to allow for deportation.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed purchasing a warehouse property in Oklahoma City to open an ICE facility, but the purchase was not followed through, according to a Facebook post made by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.
OU Iranian Studies professor Vahid Abedini was arrested by ICE in November while traveling to the Middle East Studies Association in Washington, D.C. Abedini was later released after standard questioning.
Sarah Loicano, ICE public affairs officer for Dallas and Oklahoma, wrote in an email to OU Daily Tuesday that ICE did not have comment on current enforcement operations.
“ICE enforces federal laws across the United States every day to include in Oklahoma,” Loicano wrote. “To protect operational security and ensure the safety of our law enforcement personnel and the public, ICE does not comment on or provide details regarding potential or ongoing enforcement actions.”
This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure, Madisson Cameron and Audrey McClour.
