5 FEATURE
OPINION
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THE VOL. 61, NO. 6
12 CENTERSPREAD 10-11 GRAPHICS
dear diary: superbowl trophy
educational inequality
20
guide to local comic stores
SMOKE SIGNAL MISSION SAN JOSE HIGH SCHOOL
February 27, 2026
41717 PALM AVENUE, FREMONT, CA 94539
Carrying political signs and posters, hundreds of MSJ students gathered around the front lawn of the A-Wing and participated in a 40-minute walkout during Read on February 6. The protest was organized in response to concerns within the student body about recent escalations in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, which have resulted in the deaths of 32 US citizens in 2025. Led by ASB President Senior Kalena Dai and coordinated by the organization Tri-City Against Ice, the demonstration was a part of a series of anti-ICE walkouts held at various high schools across Fremont, Newark, and Union City on February 6 for a broader nationwide movement of high school protests. “[Since] the Bay Area is concentrated in immigrants, [with] a lot of us having immigrant parents and neighbors … we chose [to protest] because it’s relevant,” Dai said, stressing the importance of community engagement and awareness. Before the protest, students participated in a poster designing event on February 5, which was promoted by an Instagram post made by Tri-City Against Ice. At the event, students created signs featuring slogans such as “Liberty and justice for all,” “ICE out,” and “No one is illegal on stolen land.” Dai worked alongside other student organizers to ensure participants could take a stronger stance against federal action. MSJ students left their third period classrooms during Read as the protest commenced with students delivering speeches against ICE enforcement. Junior Hanna Rahmanian started the speeches by reading out the names of those killed during ICE operations. As she solemnly listed out the names, a heavy silence fell over the participants in respect for the lives taken. Subsequently, several advocates gave speeches outlining
need to speak out for this matter,” Mission Possible Parent & Faculty Association Representative SophBy Luna Bichon, Amber Halvorsen, Saesha Prabhakar, & Aarav Vashisht omore Leina Ikeda Staff Writers said. Afterwards, Dai and Senior Padhow ICE’s enforcement operations have tion, that speaks to the country [thinkma Balaji directed students in a march impacted communities across the na- ing] that w h a t ’s through MSJ’s Horseshoe and towards tion and emphasized why it is crucial happening the Bell Tower Quad (BTQ). for students to raise their voices against now is Throughout injustice. “The fact that schools across w r o n g the protest, Fremont and students across Fremont a n d students are speaking about this matter … That’s that we marched an event that the whole city should across camknow about, and if such propus and tests [continue to be brought chanted sloabout] across gans, such as the na“No justice, no peace, no ICE in our streets” and “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA.” Dai and Balaji led the chants, with crowds of students chanting behind them. After marching around the Horseshoe through Palm Avenue, Dai and Balaji stood in front of a sea of students in the BTQ, leading them in more chants before dismissing them to third period. Because the walkout carried over a few minutes into third period, many students received an unexcused tardy. These tardies were eventually excused following negotiations between organizers and school administration. Following the protest, the student-made posters were placed on the steps of the bell tower in the BTQ, where they remained on display for the rest of the day. The walkout marks the first time in recent memory that MSJ students organized a political protest. By attending the anti-ICE walkout, students sought to stand in solidarity with communities directly impacted by ICE’s deadly immigration enforcement operations. “Students are directly affected when classmates are afraid or distracted by fear at home. Protesting is a way to raise awareness and push leaders to consider the impact on young [people],” Participant Junior Lara Adbin said.
MSJ students Walk Out to protest ICE
PHOTOS BY GRAPHICS EDITOR EMILY ZHANG & STAFF WRITER LUNA BICHON
Online THIS MONTH
www.thesmokesignal.org
WINTER BALL VIDEO EVENT COVERAGE For the !rst time in years, MSJ hosted Winter Ball on Thursday, February 20th, from 6–9 PM. Watch our coverage at www.thesmokesignal. org to see student experiences, the preparation process, and footage of the event!
WUTHERING HEIGHTS MOVIE REVIEW Adapted from an Emily Brontë novel, romantic drama !lm Wuthering Heights hit theaters on February 13. The movie follows the experiences of the foster son of a wealthy Yorkshire family. Read the full review on our website.
For more coverage, visit www.thesmokesignal.org