Texas AG to Investigate More School Districts Over Student Walkouts

Probes target districts accused of 'orchestrating' protests against federal immigration policy

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Texas Office of the Attorney General announced it will investigate three more school districts - North East Independent School District in San Antonio, Dallas ISD, and Manor ISD - over student walkouts held to protest federal immigration policy and enforcement. The OAG previously announced a similar investigation of Austin ISD, accusing the districts of 'failing to keep students safe and accountable' and claiming 'concerns' arose, though no details were provided. Texas AG Ken Paxton said the investigations should 'serve as a warning' to any public school employee who 'unlawfully facilitates student participation in protests targeting our heroic law enforcement officers'.

Why it matters

The investigations represent an escalation of the Texas government's crackdown on student activism and protests, particularly those targeting federal immigration enforcement. The OAG's actions raise concerns about the state's respect for students' First Amendment rights and the ability of public schools to address controversial political issues.

The details

The OAG said it will seek records related to each district's policies on students leaving campus, excused absences, and security protocols, as well as internal communications about the protests. The investigations come after student walkouts were held at schools across Texas to demonstrate against federal immigration policy and ICE enforcement actions.

  • The OAG announced the investigations on February 16, 2026.

The players

Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG)

The state government agency leading the investigations into the school districts.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who said the investigations should 'serve as a warning' to school employees who 'unlawfully facilitate' student protests.

North East Independent School District

One of the school districts being investigated by the OAG.

Dallas ISD

One of the school districts being investigated by the OAG.

Manor ISD

One of the school districts being investigated by the OAG.

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What they’re saying

“The investigations should 'serve as a warning' to any public school employee who 'unlawfully facilitates student participation in protests targeting our heroic law enforcement officers'.”

— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General (ketk.com)

What’s next

The OAG said it will seek records from the districts as part of the investigations, though it's unclear when the probes will conclude.

The takeaway

The Texas government's crackdown on student activism raises concerns about the state's respect for First Amendment rights and the ability of public schools to address controversial political issues. The investigations could have a chilling effect on student protests and civic engagement in the state.