U.S. Customs and Border Protection's 'Operation Charlotte's Web', which began over the weekend, is the latest phase of Republican President Donald Trump's aggressive mass deportation efforts. These efforts have sent military personnel and immigration agents into Democratic-run cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles.
Hundreds of students left the school building and walked toward the entrance, holding posters and signs condemning the actions of Border Patrol agents. Agents -- some heavily armed and using unmarked vehicles -- carried out arrests in and around Raleigh this week.
Their presence has sparked fear among families, prompting some parents to keep their children home from school and not going to work for the remainder of the week.
Student organizers with Wakefield's Latino Union said attendance has been low at school.
"We just want to show awareness for our community, especially us, where our group, I want to say, is the most affected right now," Christopher Rivero Pantoja, a senior and Vice President of the Latino Student Union, said. "We have people whose parents are missing out on a whole week of working in this economy. You know, that's not something they can afford to do, let alone people who are living paycheck to paycheck, people who are working in our construction jobs, who are living off of the weekly pay."
Rivero Pantoja added that he is speaking out to provide a voice for those too afraid to speak for themselves
"Most of our people here are first generation Americans. Our parents immigrated, however they did...I don't like to use the term 'illegal aliens.' We are all humans. We all should be. Even if we're here illegally, we here for a reason. Most of us are contributing towards our economy in our society," he said.
There was confusion over whether the North Carolina operation had ended. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden stated on Thursday that federal officials confirmed the operation had ended, but ICE agents would continue operating as they had in the past. However, a Homeland Security official insisted the arrests would not let up.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police posted on social media that they received "reliable information" that Border Patrol personnel involved in the operation had departed that morning. Another statement attributed to an unnamed Homeland Security spokesperson said that federal agencies "continue to target some of the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens as Operation Charlotte's Web progresses," and that about 370 people had been arrested over the past five days.
Wakefield High School's walkout was similar to efforts at Rolesville High School on Thursday, where students held a rally that was recorded and uploaded on social media, quickly spreading to others online.
Students said they feel empowered and understand what it means to stand in solidarity with their classmates and community.
"We are here to become a voice for our community, for the people who can't be, " said Rivero Pantoja.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.