A video from “Lake Zurich High School” went viral over the weekend. Image: Screenshot/x
A student with a pro-ICE poster is physically attacked at Lake Zurich High School in the USA, the video of the incident goes viral on social networks and is heavily commented on. That’s what lies behind it.
Feb 16, 2026, 2:43 p.mFeb 16, 2026, 2:43 p.m
Anyone who was on their trusted social media network this weekend probably saw a video about “Lake Zurich” at some point.
However, this is not the Lake Zurich we know, but rather the “Lake Zurich High School”, a school in a northwestern suburb of Chicago in the state of Illinois.
The video in question comes from a US student who holds up a poster with the inscription “I love ICE” at the entrance to his school and chants slogans while other students support him Protest against the immigration authorities.
While most people simply ignore the provocation and move on, a classmate suddenly appears in the picture and says directly and unequivocally: “So, I’m going to punch you in the face.”
The creator of the video warns his classmate that violence could get him into trouble, to which he simply responds with “okay,” briefly claps his hands and then hits.
Mixed reactions
The video and screenshots of it have gone viral since it was published. The aggressor became a meme, and there are numerous reactions in the comment columns cheering the action.
But not everyone celebrates the Lake Zurich student’s action. There are also numerous voices condemning the aggressive approach. The accusation of double standards runs through the comment columns on “X”, “Reddit” and Co.
For example, one comment says: “It’s good to know that the left supports violence as long as it corresponds to their beliefs.” Or: «Wow. It’s great that we teach children to react violently when someone says something they don’t agree with.”
The victim shared the incident on Instagram a few days ago and wrote:
“Instead of being allowed to express my opinion, I was attacked – just because I stood up for law enforcement. What’s wrong with America?”
The fact that it didn’t escalate further is also due to a school security guard who intervened immediately after the attack and separated the two. In the video you can hear Spud saying: “I stand by my beliefs and I will stand here peacefully and stand up for them. I support ICE and law enforcement,” to which the other student says:
“You can fuck yourself peacefully.”
It is still unclear what consequences the incident will have and whether the aggressor will be reported. Jean Malek, head of the school’s communications department, said to local media: “Unfortunately, due to confidentiality, we cannot provide any information about student matters.” The police also did not respond to media inquiries.
Case is symptomatic
The incident at Lake Zurich High School is symptomatic of the deep political divide that ICE policy under Donald Trump has deepened in the country.
In particular, the killing of two US citizens Pretti and Good in January was the last straw for many people. The aggressive actions of the immigration authorities not only caused people to protest on the streets, resistance also formed in numerous schools. Just like it was the case at Lake Zurich High School.
The fact that the animosity between the two camps has increased has not only become apparent since the incident surrounding this video.