Student ICE Protests Spark Backlash Against Teachers

Republican leaders across the country are trying to limit the role teachers play in activism as part of a backlash against students protesting immigration enforcement.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Walking out of school is a tried and true student protest tactic, but recent protests against ICE seem to have struck a nerve. Some Republican leaders want teachers to face consequences, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announcing investigations into several school districts for 'facilitating and failing to keep students safe and accountable during various student protests.' In response to teacher sick-outs in Tucson, Arizona that were part of a national immigration protest, GOP lawmakers introduced a bill that would ban teachers from engaging in any kind of organized work stoppage.

Why it matters

These efforts come as students and teachers have joined a wave of protests and general strikes in response to the Trump administration's immigration policies. While students have faced consequences like suspensions and threats of truancy court, the rising action targeting educators has revived debate over teachers' place in campus activism.

The details

Republican leaders across the country are trying to limit the role teachers play in activism as part of a backlash against students protesting immigration enforcement. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into three school districts for 'facilitating and failing to keep students safe and accountable during various student protests.' In response to a wave of teacher sick-outs in Tucson, Arizona that were part of a national immigration protest, GOP lawmakers introduced a bill that would ban teachers from engaging in any kind of organized work stoppage. And in Oklahoma, a group of Republican lawmakers asked the state schools chief to investigate educators accused of facilitating student protests.

  • On February 16, 2026, protesters held signs in front of the Sam Houston Monument in Houston's Herman Park during a student-led demonstration against ICE.
  • On Monday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into three school districts.

The players

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who announced an investigation into three school districts for 'facilitating and failing to keep students safe and accountable during various student protests.'

Greg Abbott

The Texas governor who has condemned the protests, saying the 'core responsibility' of public schools is to 'educate our kids.'

Zeph Capo

The president of the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, who argues that teachers' responsibilities are more complicated and sometimes entail actions to keep kids safe when they walk out.

Matthew Gress

A GOP member of the Arizona House of Representatives who co-sponsored a bill that would ban future teacher sick-outs, cutting some funding for the district or charter school involved.

Juan Carrillo

A professor at Arizona State University's teaching college, who wrote that this moment is 'particularly draining' for teachers, who fear they could face consequences for protesting or sharing ideas with students.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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.