Students Take a Stand in Napa

A large group of students from all five high schools and several middle schools in Napa decided to leave their classrooms on Friday afternoon. They gathered at the corner of Trancas and Jefferson, where they joined a planned protest against U. S. immigration enforcement. The walkout began at 12:45 p. m. , and the crowd grew as more students arrived. By around 1:30 p. m. , police were on site and residents received a warning to stay clear of the busy intersection. An incident happened when a driver passed by and showed a thumbs‑down sign to the protesters. Some witnesses say a water bottle was thrown at his car, prompting him to get out and confront the crowd. The driver’s passengers helped him back into the vehicle, which then left the area quickly. Though brief, the event caused concern among those watching.This march marks Napa’s biggest student‑led protest since President Trump took office. It shows 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 wanted to ensure safety and minimal disruption for students staying behind. The district’s message highlighted that California law permits one excused absence per year for civic participation. Staff were told to stay on campus with those who did not leave, but they would not escort students who walked out. At the private school Justin‑Siena, 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. 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.