2 students arrested for allegedly throwing objects at police during anti-ICE walkout in Mesa

PHOENIX — Two junior high students who allegedly threw items at police during school walkouts while protesting Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Mesa were arrested on Friday, authorities said.

Their school, Poston Junior High, was one of many around the Valley that participated in walkouts on Friday.

According to Mesa Police Department spokesman Jose Aguirre, one female student will be booked into a juvenile detention facility for allegedly assaulting an officer after she was witnessed throwing items at police.

An officer “placed her on the ground to gain control” and did not tackle her following the alleged assault, Aguirre said.

The other student was released and will be referred to the county’s juvenile court.

“The Mesa Police Department supports the right to peaceful protest. However, reckless driving, traffic obstruction and throwing objects at officers will not be tolerated, as these actions endanger the community and our officers,” the department said in a statement Friday afternoon.

“Any driver operating a vehicle recklessly will be stopped, and the vehicle will be towed for 20 days,” it continued. “Individuals who obstruct traffic or throw objects will be subject to enforcement action.”

Police released no other details about the incident.

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