Texas Schools Investigated for Alleged Role in Anti-ICE Walkouts

Probe examines whether officials coordinated or encouraged student protests against immigration enforcement.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 9:23pm

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The Texas Attorney General's Office has expanded an investigation into whether dozens of schools in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio coordinated or facilitated student participation in anti-ICE protests held on January 30 as part of the National Shutdown movement. The probe will examine school policies, security protocols, and internal communications related to the walkouts, as well as the potential use of public funds.

Why it matters

The investigation highlights growing tensions over immigration enforcement and the role of public schools in facilitating student activism. Critics argue schools should not be encouraging or enabling protests that target law enforcement, while supporters say students have a right to exercise free speech on important social issues.

The details

The investigation began earlier this month and has now grown to include the North East Independent School District in San Antonio, the Dallas Independent School District, and the Manor Independent School District near Austin. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has ordered the districts to provide information on their policies and communications related to the January 30 walkouts, warning that his office will hold any officials accountable who unlawfully facilitated student participation in the protests.

  • The investigation began earlier this month.
  • The protests occurred on January 30 as part of the National Shutdown movement.
  • The investigation was expanded on Monday to include three additional school districts.

The players

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General leading the investigation into the schools' alleged role in the anti-ICE protests.

North East Independent School District

A San Antonio school district added to the investigation.

Dallas Independent School District

A school district in Dallas added to the investigation.

Manor Independent School District

A school district near Austin added to the investigation.

Party for Socialism and Liberation

One of the organizations that helped organize the January 30 protests.

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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

What’s next

The investigation will continue to examine the schools' policies, communications, and use of public funds related to the January 30 walkouts.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the ongoing debate over the role of public schools in facilitating student activism, with critics arguing schools should not enable protests against law enforcement and supporters saying students have a right to free speech on important issues.