Berkeley High students walk out in protest of DACA's possible end

BERKELEY, Calif. (Alex Savidge/KTVU) - Berkeley High School students on Friday walked out of class and formed a human chain around their campus to protest the ending of DACA program.

About 3,000 students left their classes just before third period, chanting, "No ban! No wall! Education for all!"

The event was organized by Chicano Latino United Voices, according to president Marielena Rodas, but all student were invited to attend.

Principal Erin Schweng said she was proud of the students who created a "unifying moment."

But the move sparked some criticism too.

“Just thousands cutting school,” Jay Burgos wrote.

“Only in America can people protest illegal activity,” Marcus Rod added on Facebook.

Berkeley High is known for its school-sanctioned walkouts and protests. This time, the student body was reacting in a similar fashion to 15 states, California, the University of California and the city of San Jose – all of which have sued President Trump in his call to rescind the  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The young, undocumented immigrants have enjoyed a protected status under that program, created by now UC president Janet Napolitano under President Obama.

But on Sept. 5, the Trump administration issued an order to dismantle the program, but gave Congress six months to come up with an alternative before the program ends.