In the past year, the number of people held in ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention centers has increased by 75 percent while more than 675,000 people have been deported nationwide. According to the article “New report details ICE’s Expanding and Increasingly Unaccountable Detention System” posted on the website for the American Immigration Council, 74.2 percent of those held in ICE detention centers have no criminal conviction. In 2026 alone, nine people have died due to ICE brutality. 

In recent reports, the deaths caused by ICE enforcements actions have raised concern among communities and students across the nation. Junior Jonathan Sánchez says, “When I first heard about the deaths, I felt shocked and disappointed. It made me realize how serious the situation is and why people need to speak up.”  

Sophomore Miriam Ortega added, “Finding out about the lives that were lost was honestly heartbreaking. It made me think about the families affected, and my heart goes out to them.”  

A junior male who wished to be anonymous says, “I feel like people aren’t reacting enough to what’s happening. When lives are lost and families are affected, it shouldn’t just be a headline people scroll past. It makes me think we’ve become too used to hearing about tragedies instead of fighting for real change.” 

Sophomore Maya Rodiles said hearing about the deaths made her think about the fear many immigrant families live with every day. “What shocked me most was realizing that people who haven’t committed crimes can still be punished,” she said, “even just bystanders that were just trying to help.”  

Sophomore Miriam Ortega added, “It’s not just one person affected,” she said. “Families lose support, children lose their parents and communities feel fear and instability.”  

Junior Mia Garcia emphasized the emotional toll these events create. “Even if you aren’t directly affected, you feel the pain and fear around you,” she said. 

Students across the nation have begun speaking out. Walkouts and demonstrations have taken place at schools, including protests reported in Tampa at Alonso High School, where students left class to call attention to immigration enforcement policies and demand accountability. Participants say these actions are meant to raise awareness and encourage others to be able to speak up. 

A female sophomore from Miami High who chose to be anonymous stated, “There needs to be more oversight and transparency. If people are dying, that means something is wrong and it needs to be fixed.”  

Students also expressed the importance of youth awareness. Maya Rodiles believes young people should pay attention even if they are not directly affected. “These issues shape the future we’re growing into,” she said. “Staying informed helps us become more responsible citizens.” 

When asked what students can do to be more supportive, Mia Garcia suggested small but meaningful actions. “We can stay informed, have conversations, support affected families and participate in peaceful activism,” she said. “Even sharing accurate information helps. Don’t be scared to post things on your story against things you don’t agree with. It won’t ruin your aesthetic.”   

Another junior male who wished to be anonymous added, “If we stop paying attention, nothing changes. Awareness is the first step toward justice.”