North Texas Students Defy Suspension Threats Over Anti-ICE Walkouts

Students continue protests despite warnings of disciplinary action from school districts

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Students across North Texas are continuing to walk out of class to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, despite facing potential disciplinary consequences like in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, and loss of privileges such as prom attendance or walking at graduation. The students say they won't be silenced and are exercising their First Amendment rights.

Why it matters

The student walkouts highlight growing activism among young people on immigration issues, even in the face of pushback from school districts. The protests reflect a generational shift, with students asserting their civic engagement and understanding of their democratic rights, despite threats of punishment.

The details

At Boswell High School in Fort Worth, students have organized two walkouts so far, one during school and one after school. Senior Brody Jones said he continues to organize the anti-ICE protests, even after the principal warned of possible punishment. Originally, students were threatened with losing prom and graduation rights, but now they face in-school suspension. Despite this, students protested again this Monday, this time after school hours. An Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District spokesperson confirmed that students who participate in walkouts will be marked absent and could face additional disciplinary action.

  • On Feb. 2, Jones and dozens of his classmates at Boswell High School walked out of class to protest, even after the principal warned them of possible punishment.
  • This Monday, students protested again, this time after school hours.

The players

Brody Jones

A senior at Boswell High School in Fort Worth who continues to organize anti-ICE walkouts and protests, despite the warnings of potential punishment from the school.

Sheila Walker

The president of the National Education Association Dallas, who says the student walkouts reflect a generational shift and an understanding of civic engagement and democratic rights.

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District

The school district that has confirmed students who participate in walkouts will be marked absent and could face additional disciplinary action, including in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, and loss of privileges.

Greg Abbott

The Texas governor who released guidance warning districts that they could face investigations or even loss of funding over student walkouts.

Texas Education Agency

The state agency that released guidance warning districts about potential consequences for student walkouts.

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What they’re saying

“It's for my community. People don't feel safe, and I can't stand for that.”

— Brody Jones, Senior at Boswell High School (CBS News)

“I can get where they are coming from, but I do believe our punishment is incorrect. I believe we shouldn't be punished for exercising our First Amendment rights.”

— Brody Jones, Senior at Boswell High School (CBS News)

“This is a different generation, and we must pay attention. They're not afraid.”

— Sheila Walker, President of the National Education Association Dallas (CBS News)

“The character of our students says, we know we have rights. This is part of democracy. This is what we've [students] been taught. This is what we're learning in school, so, to exercise your right to know that democracy, know that it's right, it says that our generation is changing.”

— Sheila Walker, President of the National Education Association Dallas (CBS News)

“You could try to threaten us. You could try to intimidate us. You could try to silence us, but at the end of the day, it's only going to make us stronger.”

— Brody Jones, Senior at Boswell High School (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.