Recently, a wave of anti-ICE protests has been taking place at schools across the country. While some people support students using their voices to protest, others strongly oppose these demonstrations, particularly pro-ICE supporters.
One Republican student in Idaho has spoken out against an anti-ICE protest planned at her school. In a short video, she shared her views, arguing that “politics do not belong in school.” She went on to urge people to let law enforcement do “their dang job.”
The student also claimed that “ICE protests turn into violence just about every single one of them.” That statement, however, is not supported by evidence. There have been numerous anti-ICE protests that have taken place peacefully, including demonstrations led by students and community members.
Her video sparked debate online, with critics pushing back on her claims and pointing out that peaceful protest has long been a part of civic engagement, including within educational settings.
The Idaho student continued by claiming that the planned protest made her feel unsafe. “I’m scared for my own safety,” she said. However, critics pointed out that her opposition to the protest may stem from her support of ICE rather than genuine fear. In a previous video, she wrote, “If liberals were actually afraid of ICE, they’d stay far away… not follow agents around harassing them 24/7.” In the caption, she added, “Fear doesn’t chase you down the street,” a statement some viewers noted could easily apply to her current situation as well. Others argued that if she felt uncomfortable, she could simply avoid the protest altogether.
While the Idaho Republican student received support from many commenters, she also faced significant backlash. One TikTok user posted a response video directly addressing her claims. “Politics don’t belong in school? Then why the [expletive] do we have civics class and history class?” he asked. He went on to criticize her argument and those who agreed with it, saying that objections to politics in schools often depend on whether the views being expressed align with their own.
“These people will say ‘politics don’t belong in school’ unless it’s their politics,” he added. The TikToker also pointed to what he described as a double standard, noting how some Republicans previously argued that politics didn’t belong in sports, only to later celebrate NFL teams and figures who promoted political commentators like Charlie Kirk.
The exchange highlighted the broader debate over student protests, free expression, and where people draw the line when politics intersect with schools.
People Reacting to the Republican Idaho Student’s Video
The comments under the Idaho student’s video were sharply divided between those who agreed with her and those who pushed back. Many critics argued that politics absolutely does belong in schools. “Politics absolutely belongs in school,” one person wrote. Another added, “You learn about politics in school, right? Everything is political. EVERYTHING. Everything you learn is political.”
Others mocked the student’s claim that she feared for her safety. “‘I’m scared for my own safety’ LMAOOOOO,” one commenter wrote dismissively. Some also widened the conversation beyond the protest itself. “What’s crazy is the majority of America approve of what ICE is doing,” another TikTok user commented.
Overall, the responses reflected a deep divide, not just over the protest at her school, but over whether political discussion and activism should have a place in educational settings at all.
Several other commenters agreed with the Idaho student and voiced strong opposition to political protests in schools. “You’re absolutely right. Politics have no place in school. It’s crazy,” one person wrote. Another added, “Politics, religion, and gender identity do not belong in schools. Period.”
Others praised the student personally. “Your parents raised you right. I don’t care who you voted for,” someone commented. One user went further, criticizing the schools themselves. “Agree with you! So tired of these liberal schools,” she wrote.
Some parents said the video influenced their own decisions. “My daughter is staying home tomorrow. I am going to include the reason in her absence email,” one mother shared. Overall, many people applauded the student for speaking out and said they appreciated her willingness to share her perspective.
Despite the support, others pointed out that her video is unlikely to stop anti-ICE protests from taking place at schools, as the broader debate over student activism and political expression continues.
