On Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, approximately 1,000 students and a few staff members participated in a walkout and marched along Shields Street in a 4-mile round-trip protest against the current presidential administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and in support of Latino students and families. The demonstration, which began at 1:30 p.m. and ended around 3:00 p.m., remained peaceful as students carried signs and chanted along the route.
Principal Crist clarified that this was not a school-sponsored event, but added that students have the right to protest. Additional security measures were taken by the Fort Collins Police Department and PSD security, ensuring the safety of students participating in the walkout.
Many students described the march as an opportunity to speak out and show support for classmates and families who feel impacted. Junior Sawyer Bartran said the turnout showed how strongly students feel about the issue.
“I feel like what ICE has been doing is insane, and I feel like we need to do something about it,” Bartran said. “We need to speak out, we need to make sure that the word is heard, and I’m so proud of everybody out here… It’s so powerful to get your word heard.”
Other students said the protest was about supporting vulnerable members of the community.
“It’s important to be the voice for people that don’t have one, and we need to protect the people in our community,” said Silver Reed. “Love thy neighbor.”
Several participants also said the walkout was about inclusion within the school community. Christopher O’Brien said he appreciated that the school allowed the protest to happen.
“I really appreciate that the school [students] will put this on because certain schools wouldn’t, and it makes certain people feel included at a time that the government doesn’t allow that.”
While opinions on national immigration policy vary, Tuesday’s walkout reflected a strong desire among many Rocky students to engage in civic action and voice concerns about issues they believe affect their community.
AIden • Feb 26, 2026 at 2:45 pm
i think that its very thoughtfull for students to organize a walk out and to have so many people show up
B.P • Feb 26, 2026 at 10:54 am
I find this article and others like it to be important these days. I was a part of this walkout, and I absolutely agree with the statements given and the opinions shared. Thank you for doing your part in spreading the word.
Violet • Feb 26, 2026 at 10:44 am
I’m so glad our school came together to do this!