Texas AG Launches Probe Into 3 School Districts Over ICE Protests

Paxton alleges administrators and faculty helped organize demonstrations against immigration enforcement.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched investigations into three major school districts - North East ISD in San Antonio, Dallas ISD, and Manor ISD - over student protests against immigration enforcement. Paxton claims the districts failed to ensure student safety and minimize classroom disruptions, and that administrators and faculty helped organize the demonstrations, which he says are part of the "radical Left's open borders agenda."

Why it matters

The investigations come amid a broader conservative backlash against student protests over immigration enforcement, with state leaders threatening to withhold funding from districts that facilitate walkouts. The probes could set a precedent for how schools handle future student activism around controversial political issues.

The details

As part of the investigations, Paxton is seeking records from the three districts on student leave policies, excused absences, security procedures, internal communications about the protests, and the use of public funds. His office will also review whether any laws were violated. The districts targeted are among the largest in Texas, with Dallas ISD having the state's second-largest student population.

  • The protests took place earlier this year as part of a national movement against immigration enforcement.
  • Paxton announced the investigations on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Ken Paxton

The Attorney General of Texas who launched the investigations into the three school districts.

North East Independent School District

One of the three school districts in Texas that Paxton is investigating over student protests against immigration enforcement.

Dallas Independent School District

One of the three school districts in Texas that Paxton is investigating over student protests against immigration enforcement, and the district with the second-largest student population in the state.

Manor Independent School District

One of the three school districts in Texas that Paxton is investigating over student protests against immigration enforcement.

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who said districts could lose funding and students who break the law during protests could face arrest.

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What they’re saying

“I will not allow Texas schools to become breeding grounds for the radical Left's open borders agenda.”

— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General (texastribune.org)

“Let this serve as a warning to any public school official or employee who unlawfully facilitates student participation in protests targeting our heroic law enforcement officers: my office will use every legal tool available to hold you accountable.”

— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General (texastribune.org)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the investigations will determine whether the school districts violated any laws or policies in their handling of the student protests.

The takeaway

The probes by the Texas Attorney General highlight the growing political tensions over student activism on controversial issues like immigration enforcement, and could set a precedent for how schools navigate such protests in the future.