BREAKING: Key West Student Organizes Peaceful Duval Street March After ICE Detentions

Friday night march planned after high schooler’s girlfriend and her father were detained, drawing broad community support.

A Key West High School student has organized a peaceful march along Duval Street tonight, Friday, following the detention of his girlfriend and her father by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Connor Freeman, a student at Key West High School, called for the demonstration after what supporters described as a sudden and deeply personal loss. He took to Instagram to promote the event, and word of the planned march spread quickly through the community, prompting adults and local residents to say they would attend in a supportive role, remaining on the periphery to help ensure the safety and dignity of the students leading the action.

“This is Connor’s moment, and he deserves full credit for the courage it took to speak up,” said District IV City Commission Candidate Sarah Compton. “Our role as adults is not to lead or overshadow, but to stand with him, protect space for peaceful expression, and show our kids that they are not alone.”

The march is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at the Southernmost House and proceed north along Duval Street. Organizers emphasized that the gathering is intended to remain peaceful and grounded in compassion, community care and the belief that families deserve dignity.

Community members described Freeman’s decision to organize the march as emblematic of a younger generation unwilling to remain silent in the face of fear or perceived injustice.

“This is what civic courage looks like,” Compton said. “Tonight, our job is simple: be present, be calm, and be as brave as our kids.”