Texas AG Paxton Investigates School Districts Over Student Protests

Probes target districts in San Antonio, Dallas, and Manor over student walkouts 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 Independent School District in San Antonio, Dallas Independent School District, and Manor Independent School District - over student protests against immigration enforcement. Paxton alleges that school officials failed to ensure student safety and allowed the protests to become a platform for a "radical Left's open borders agenda." The investigations come after hundreds of Texas students walked out earlier this year as part of a national movement protesting immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

The move by Paxton represents a broader conservative backlash against student protests over immigration enforcement, with state leaders seeking to crack down on what they view as politicization of public schools. The investigations could set a precedent for how school districts handle future student activism on politically charged issues.

The details

As part of the investigations, Paxton's office 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 and North East ISD being the second-largest in the San Antonio area.

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

The players

Ken Paxton

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

North East Independent School District

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

Dallas Independent School District

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

Manor Independent School District

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

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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. 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 (sanangelolive.com)

What’s next

Paxton's office will review the records obtained from the school districts to determine if any laws were violated. The investigations could lead to further action against the districts or their officials.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between conservative state leaders and public schools over student activism on politically charged issues like immigration enforcement. The outcome of Paxton's investigations could set a precedent for how school districts navigate future student protests on controversial topics.