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By Khaleda Rahman
National Correspondent
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A student who was protesting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside a Nebraska school was injured after being struck by a vehicle displaying a Trump flag, officials confirmed.
Dozens of students were taking part in the protest outside Fremont High School in Nebraska around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday when a red SUV hit the girl before driving away from the scene, News Channel Nebraska reported. The outlet was the first to share video of the incident.
Fremont Public Schools said the student "was hit by a car that stopped in front of the crowd and then began moving." The school district said the police and the fire department responded, and that the student was transported to a hospital.
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Fremont Police Department did not immediately respond to calls for comment.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump's administration has overseen a massive immigration operation that has spurred opposition and protests nationwide. Demonstrations against the tactics employed in immigration enforcement have intensified since federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis this month.
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What To Know
The driver of the red SUV stopped near a group of students outside the school, got out the vehicle and exchanged words with the protesters, News Channel Nebraska reported. The driver then got back inside the vehicle, revved the engine and drove forward.
Video of the incident showed that the driver accelerated and hit the girl, knocking her to the side. The driver stopped briefly as a school administrator approached, then drove away from the scene.
The girl was alert, talking and smiling as she was taken to the hospital, the outlet reported.
Fremont Public Schools said "a non-school-sponsored, student-led demonstration" started around 2 p.m.
School administrators were supervising to ensure students were safe and peaceful.
Several Republicans have responded to the incident, calling for an investigation and for the driver to be held accountable. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen condemned the incident and said the freedom to peacefully assemble "must be protected."
What People Are Saying
Superintendent Brad Dahl said in a statement: "We value out relationship with out first responders and their help today. We will continue to work together to keep our students and community safe."
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, a Republican, wrote on X: "Political violence—no matter what—is never okay. There is a lot about this particular situation we still need to learn, and we trust that local law enforcement will carry out a thorough and complete investigation. The freedom to peacefully assemble is a cornerstone of American government and must be protected. We will continue to monitor this situation and pray for the health of the girl who was hit."
Republican Representative Mike Flood of Nebraska wrote on X: "This is not what we do in Nebraska—this is not ok. The video of the girl being hit by a car at the school protest is disturbing. While initial reports say that the girl was alert and talking when she was taken away, we are praying for her and her well being. The incident needs to be fully investigated by law enforcement. It is critical that our country preserve the ability of people to safely protest."
Republican Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska wrote on X: "I am praying for the high school student injured in this incident. We must all remember that we can disagree politically, and not resort to violence as a response. I expect that all high school administrations will make sure all students have a safe and productive learning environment, and take appropriate disciplinary actions when necessary."
Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska wrote on X: "We have the right to peaceful protest. The driver of this car should be held accountable for using their vehicle to assault a legal protestor. Let us be decent towards each other and respect differences of opinions. Decency, patience, kindness and empathy."
What Happens Next
The identity of the driver has not been released. It remains to be seen whether that individual will face charges.
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