Students filtered out of class around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, gathering in front of the high school before marching along Main Street and down Stadium Boulevard and then gathering at the entrance along the north side of campus.

Many students made signs in support of immigrants, with a number of messages directed at “abolishing” ICE. Several other protests were held throughout the region in opposition to ICE, including Ann Arbor Public Schools’ Community and Skyline high schools and Plymouth-Canton Educational Park High School.

As a former teacher for more than 30 years, Jeff Gaynor said he was proud to see students take the initiative to “stand up for what is right.” Gaynor, who also is a former Ann Arbor Public Schools’ school board member, said he attended the walkout rally for Community High School at the Federal Building in Ann Arbor to show support for the students and inform them of Ann Arbor’s weekly “ICE OUT” protests.

“There are efforts – in this country, in this town, and in the schools – to keep us apart,” Gaynor said. “But only in solidarity – working together – will we succeed. And that is what I saw in the faces of the students. There was anger about what ICE has been doing, but there was also passion, and joy in doing this together.”

Students speak during a protest against the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement outside of Ann Arbor Pioneer High School, as part of a nationwide protest. Feb. 4, 2026 (Photo by Martin Slagter/Michigan Advance)

In a message to the community, Superintendent Jazz Parks said the district supports students’ First Amendment rights and understands the desire many students have to raise their voices and express their thoughts on important issues.

Parks stressed that when students plan to exercise their free speech rights, their expressions must be conducted in a way that doesn’t cause a disruption or interfere with the “orderly conduct of learning” or school activities.

“We support student voice and civic expression while also remaining focused on maintaining their safety,” Parks said.

In another message last week, Parks addressed community concerns after ICE officers took four individuals from Ypsilanti into custody, recognizing that the “deeply troubling, concerning” incident undermines the sense of safety that “all families deserve.”

“We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment where every student can learn and thrive without fear,” Parks said. “In light of recent reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the area, we recognize that many members of our Ann Arbor Public Schools community are experiencing heightened concern and fear.”

Michigan Advance was asked to leave the Pioneer campus and document it off campus and was unable to speak with participants in the walkout.