High schoolers in Helena protest ICE with student walkouts

A few dozen students from both of Helena's high schools took to the streets Thursday to protest the federal immigration crackdowns the Trump administration has undertaken in cities around the country.

Around 11 a.m., students at both Helena High and Capital High walked out of school to protest. Helena High students went to the intersection of North Montana and Billings Avenue. Capital High students positioned themselves at the corner of North Montana and Custer Avenue.

Both groups chanted things like "ICE out," referring to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Passersby in cars honked in support of the students' messages.

Their were no counterprotesters present at Helena High's demonstration, but at Capital High's, three other students held signs with vulgar messages and mocked the demonstrators.

Adult chaperones and police were present at each scene but did not participate in the protest. Police and the school district had worked together to make a safety plan ahead of the rallies, a district official said.

The walkouts come three weeks after a similarly planned student walkout at Helena High School was canceled on Jan. 29 after a homemade explosive device was found near the school.