Texas Governor Calls for Investigation After Austin Students Protest ICE

Thousands of Austin ISD students walked out of class to protest federal immigration enforcement actions.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In response to videos showing Austin Independent School District police vehicles near student protesters, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for an investigation into the demonstrations. The protests, which were not sponsored or endorsed by the district, were part of a national day of action against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the district said it is committed to student safety, it has limited ability to prevent students from leaving campus to participate in non-sanctioned events.

Why it matters

The student protests highlight growing tensions around immigration enforcement and the role of schools in responding to political activism by students. The governor's call for an investigation raises questions about the balance between students' right to free expression and schools' responsibility to maintain order and focus on education.

The details

Thousands of students across the Austin Independent School District participated in the protests on Friday, with some leaving their middle and high schools to march to the Texas Capitol. In response to videos showing AISD police vehicles near the demonstrating students, Governor Greg Abbott called on the state's Education Commissioner to investigate the protests, stating that 'AISD gets taxpayer dollars to teach the subjects required by the state, not to help students skip school to protest.' The district said the protests were not sponsored or endorsed, and that while they are committed to student safety, they cannot physically prevent students from leaving campus to attend non-sanctioned events.

  • The student protests took place on Friday, January 31, 2026.
  • Governor Abbott called for the investigation on the evening of Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who called for an investigation into the student protests.

Mike Morath

The Texas Education Commissioner who Governor Abbott asked to investigate the demonstrations.

Matias Segura

The Superintendent of the Austin Independent School District, who said the district is committed to student safety but has limited ability to prevent students from leaving campus for non-sanctioned events.

Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Silverio Villegas González, and Keith Porter Jr.

Civilians who died during encounters with federal immigration enforcement agents, which the protests were in response to.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'AISD gets taxpayer dollars to teach the subjects required by the state, not to help students skip school to protest.'”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (statesman.com)

“'During the school day, our students are our responsibility and we're committed to the safety of our schools in our community, regardless if they are on our campus. That is why our administrators and Austin ISD police remain with our students during protest activities during school hours.'”

— Matias Segura, Superintendent, Austin Independent School District (statesman.com)

What’s next

The Texas Education Commissioner is expected to investigate the student protests and determine if any disciplinary action is warranted against the Austin Independent School District.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex balance schools must strike between respecting students' right to free expression and maintaining order and focus on education. The governor's call for an investigation raises concerns about the potential for political interference in how schools respond to student activism.