Aurora, Illinois – More than 1,500 students participated in three Monday walkouts, with one anti-ICE protest leading to three arrests and an injured officer, police said.
According to Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas, students from three separate high schools took part in organized walkouts. Two of the gatherings remained on sidewalks, complied with officer direction and concluded without enforcement issues.
The third event, described by police as an anti-ICE protest in DuPage County, escalated after participants allegedly entered and remained in active roadways for an extended period. Officers and school officials reportedly issued repeated verbal directives instructing students to move out of traffic and continue demonstrating in a safer area.
Police allege some individuals threw rocks and water bottles at squad vehicles, engaged in physical altercations and intimidated passing motorists. Officers also reported reckless driving occurring near the crowd.
More than 20 officers were assigned to manage traffic control, block intersections and respond to disturbances. An additional shift of officers was held over due to the length of the incident, authorities said.
Enforcement action was later taken to restore safety. Three students were taken into custody and issued local ordinance citations. During one arrest attempt, officers allege two individuals pulled away and resisted. A third individual allegedly punched an officer in the head while an arrest was underway.
The officer was transported to a local hospital and received six staples for a head injury. The individual accused of striking the officer was treated for a hand injury. Several other officers also received medical attention.
The incident will undergo a standard internal review. Because those arrested are minors, the Illinois Juvenile Court Act limits the release of related records and video.
For many high school students, the large turnout reflects growing civic engagement, particularly among young people.
