Fear of ICE increases among Virginia students

By Zoha Tahir

April 8, 2026

Youthcast Media Group®

Recent actions by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), such as raids and detentions, have created fear and uncertainty for students and families in many communities - including Annandale High School in Annandale, Virginia. 

For years, Americans have been protesting ICE actions across the country, advocating for change and mobilizing support through social media and live demonstrations. Despite many Annandale students actively expressing support for the removal of ICE presence in the area on social media, they feel that their school administration has ignored the issue. It is clear that many students are afraid. 

A parent of an Annandale sophomore was detained by ICE in early March,  while she was at school. The student, who prefers to remain anonymous, said that she struggled to process her fear during [class] when she found out her father was taken.

“I was more impacted and shocked because I didn’t know who to go to or where to get help. Me and my mom and siblings are the only ones in America,” she said. “We have no family here, so it was a lot harder for us to find some ways or who to go to for help.” 

Since then, she has taken on household responsibilities that she wouldn’t otherwise have to: “I had to handle this almost by myself, calling lawyers and speaking to ICE. It affected me horribly academically, socially, emotionally and mentally because I haven’t been getting proper rest. Same with my mom– she’s very scared,” she said. 

Community members and other Annandale students are struggling to handle the fear brought by ICE presence, unsure how to handle the situation. Being unable to properly focus on their studies has seriously impacted students’ academic well-being, and the constant apprehension has negatively affected mental health and day-to-day life.  

To these students, school simply doesn’t feel safe anymore.  They fear the safety of their parents and siblings, not knowing what can happen at home while they’re at school. 

Starting in February, ICE agents expanded deportation efforts in residential neighborhoods near Annandale High School, where many students live. ICE presence in Annandale isn’t new: arrests have been rising since early in 2025, when President Donald Trump took office. Seven people were arrested Feb. 5 at or near the Fairmont Gardens apartment complex on their way to work.

“My friend texted me that there was ICE outside. I was honestly terrified and other people were closing their windows and locking their doors scared for their family. Unsure what could possibly happen next,” a freshman said. They also prefer to remain anonymous.

A screenshot of the Constitution Annotated website detailing the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

According to the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, any armed force - which includes ICE - cannot enter a private space, like a home, without a warrant. However, ICE has been observed disregarding this constitutional rule.

Annandale is one of the most diverse areas in the state of Virginia, with nearly 77% of non-white residents and 42% of residents foreign-born, according to Census data.  

A screenshot of the July 2024 U.S. Census, including race and population demographics.

“My parents applied for my family to come here and now that Trump paused the [immigrant visas], it just made us lose hope for our families to come here to build a new life.” Another junior student who also prefers to remain anonymous said.

Some Annandale students interested in holding ICE accountable planned a school-wide walkout to spread word and fight for the community. While this is a call to action for the Annandale community, students hope that their work will expand efforts across Virginia. 

High school and college students across the country have been organizing protests and walkouts against ICE presence. Many young people participating in these events have been arrested by law enforcement or suspended by school administration, yet they keep fighting to express that their stories and ideas are important.

However, many students have chosen to stay away from protests and visible political participation for fear of retaliation. “When Trump was first elected, he slowed down the [immigration] process,” they said. “Me and my family wanted to attend protests but due to everything happening in Minneapolis, we chose to refrain.” 

Zoha Tahir is a sophomore at Annandale High School in Annandale, Va, one of Youthcast Media Group’s classroom partners. YMG Intern Sarah Gandluri contributed to this story.