Riverhead High School students walk out to protest ICE

A large crowd of Riverhead High School students participated in a walkout this afternoon to protest against ICE.

The walkout occurred during the eighth period. Students exited the building and assembled in the parking lot behind the school for a rally.  

The organizer of the walkout, senior Oliver Earl, estimated more than 200 students participated. Many carried hand-made signs expressing their displeasure with the Trump administration’s mass deportation policy and ICE enforcement activities.

“I was inspired by the recent ICE presence here in Riverhead, which resulted in a friend being stopped,” Oliver said in a text message after the demonstration today, referring to the student stopped by federal agents on Hamilton Avenue Dec. 29. 

“Also I’ve been deeply troubled by the events going on across our country, which have created fear, disrupted peace, and hurt many families,”  he said. “I wanted to stand up for my friends and one of them motivated me to follow through and host a walk out.”

Oliver said he and his friend Christian Seymour organized the walkout. “We made flyers and handed them out,” he said.

While there were a few “disruptors” at the rally, Oliver said, there had been “much pushback verbally from many students.” He added: “But there was five times as much support.” 

Oliver and other students at the rally used a bullhorn to express their opinions. Videos of several of the students’ speeches were obtained by Tu Prensa Local and shared with RiverheadLOCAL.

“In 2025, 73% of those in ICE custody were not criminally convicted. Thousands have been deported without due process. Two and a half million people have lost their legal status,” Oliver told the crowd. “Citizens from over 70 countries are no longer able to obtain visas. Thirty-six immigrants have died in federal custody in the past year. That is not acceptable.  One hundred and seventy U.S citizens have been detained,” he said.

“I will not allow my Latino friends and neighbors to live in fear. I will not stand by while people suffer. I have not done enough, but no more. I stand with you and I will always work to protect you and stand up for what’s right.”

“My parents came from Guatemala and El Salvador,” said Brittany Ortiz López. “At the ripe age of 18, they came to this country, leaving their families behind, in the hopes of finding new opportunities here. But for ICE to try to take these opportunities from them is not fair at all. Those who think it’s a joke, you think it’s a joke because your people are not in our shoes. You do not know what we experience.” 

Eric Gabrielsen said his mother came to the U.S. 27 years ago in search of a better life. “She is the hardest working person I know,” he said. “We should not have to live in fear.”

At least eight Riverhead Police Department vehicles were observed parked on or adjacent to school property during the event, which took place without incident.

Emil Breitenbach Jr. and Juliana Holguin contributed reporting.

Editor’s note: This article originally misidentified Brittany Ortiz López.