Students Take a Stand in Napa
A large group of students from all five high schools and several middle schools in Napa left their classrooms on Friday afternoon, gathering at the corner of Trancas and Jefferson to join a planned protest against U.S. immigration enforcement.
- Walkout Start: 12:45 p.m.
- Crowd Growth: The crowd swelled as more students arrived, reaching a peak around 1:30 p.m. when police were on site.
- Police Presence: Residents received a warning to stay clear of the busy intersection.
Incident at the Intersection
An incident occurred when a driver passed by and displayed a thumbs‑down sign toward the protesters. Witnesses reported that a water bottle was thrown at his car, prompting him to exit and confront the crowd. The driver’s passengers helped him back into the vehicle, which then left the area quickly. Though brief, the event raised concern among onlookers.
Significance of the Protest
This march marks Napa’s biggest student‑led protest since President Trump took office, demonstrating that young people are willing to step out of the classroom to voice their opinions on national issues. The demonstration was organized with support from school leaders who aimed to ensure safety and minimal disruption for students staying behind.
- Civic Participation: California law allows one excused absence per year for civic participation.
- School Policies: Staff were instructed to stay on campus with those who did not leave, but they would not escort students who walked out.
- Justin‑Siena: At this private school, parents had to give permission for their children to join the walkout. The school president emphasized that student engagement matters, but safety and order must come first.
Ongoing Observations
The protest is still unfolding. Observers note that it reflects a growing trend of youth activism around immigration and other social justice topics across the country.
