SAN JOSE, Calif. — Del Mar High School students joined peers from multiple San Jose schools in a walkout on Feb. 6, 2025, to protest President Trump’s proposed deportation laws. The demonstration took place in downtown San Jose.
An estimated 200 students from Del Mar High participated in the nationwide march to San Jose City Hall. The protest aimed to highlight the impact of the new deportation laws on families of Hispanic backgrounds.
The walkout began at San Jose High School, with news spreading to Lincoln, Gunderson, Boynton, and Del Mar High Schools. Adrina Trujillo, a sophomore at Gunderson High, emerged as one of the leading protesters due to her vocal advocacy.
“I like to use my voice because I know others won’t,” Trujillo said. “Que viva la raza, we are here to do what we need to do, to feed others. Don’t bite the hands that feed you when you need food.”
Davina Camacho, a sophomore at Del Mar High, played a significant role in organizing her school’s involvement. “I feel like a lot of people at this school are going through the same thing that many other families are going through, and a lot of people are scared and their voices should be heard,” Camacho said.
At around 10:40 a.m., Del Mar students left their classes to march through the city, walking from their school to Del Monte, SAP Center, and finally to San Jose City Hall. Participants were encouraged to bring flags and make posters to show their support and protest.
The protest followed a national event, “A Day Without Immigrants,” held on Feb. 3, 2025, to demonstrate the contributions of immigrants to the U.S. economy. Many students and adults stayed home from school and work, to raise awareness of the president’s policies.
Ms. Carachure, a teacher at Del Mar who works with English Language Development students, noticed a marked absence in her classes. “I have noticed that as I walk around the school, it is significantly emptier than normal,” Carachure said. “I think they’re doing it for the right reasons. You can always catch up on schoolwork, but it’s important to take the time to support a vulnerable community.”
Carachure reported that only seven or eight students attended her classes, prompting her to email other ELD staff about the disruption to lesson plans.
