Students walk out in protest over classmate's ICE detainment after fight

HOUSTON, Texas -- Hundreds of students have walked out of Houston's Austin High School as a protest, rallying behind a student who's under an immigration detainer.


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On January 30, a fight between groups of students near the campus resulted in the arrest of Dennis Rivera-Sarmiento, according to HISD officials. He has been charged with assault bodily injury.

According to documents, Rivera-Sarmiento hit a female in the head with his fist.

The teen had an ICE detainer placed on him due to his status, HISD said.

During the walkout, students marched, chanted and carried signs in support of the teen.
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Houston ISD responded to Wednesday's walkout in a statement, denying that it assisted in Rivera-Sarmiento's ICE detainment:

In line with the commitment expressed by both the Board of Education and the Superintendent, HISD has not used district resources to assist in deportation actions and we do not report students to ICE. Our Superintendent and administration remain steadfast in the district's commitment to educating every student regardless of their immigration status. Students are and will continue to be safe in our classrooms.