Houston Students Protest Immigration Crackdown Despite Warnings

Texas officials threaten consequences for schools allowing walkouts against federal immigration operations.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Houston-area students have been holding protests against federal immigration operations, including walkouts from multiple school campuses. This comes as the Texas Education Agency warns teachers and districts of consequences for facilitating or encouraging such political activism, including loss of funding and teacher licensure revocation. Governor Greg Abbott has also threatened to investigate and sanction school districts over student-led protests.

Why it matters

The student protests highlight growing tensions over immigration policies, with young people taking a stand against federal enforcement actions. However, state officials are pushing back, threatening serious repercussions for schools that allow or support such demonstrations during class time.

The details

Students have been carrying signs and flags, expressing their opposition to the immigration crackdown, especially following related incidents in Minnesota. The Texas Education Agency has outlined potential consequences, including schools losing daily attendance funding if they allow walkouts, teachers facing investigation and licensure revocation, and entire school systems potentially having monitors or conservators appointed. Governor Greg Abbott has also called for an investigation into the Austin Independent School District over student-led protests.

  • This week, Houston-area students have been holding walkout protests.
  • The Texas Education Agency recently issued guidelines and warnings about the consequences of student walkouts.

The players

Texas Education Agency

The state agency responsible for overseeing public education in Texas, which has warned schools and teachers about potential consequences for facilitating student protests.

Governor Greg Abbott

The Republican governor of Texas who has threatened to investigate and sanction school districts over student-led protests against federal immigration operations.

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What’s next

The Texas Education Agency is expected to take enforcement actions against any schools or teachers found to be facilitating or encouraging student walkouts, which could include funding cuts and professional sanctions.

The takeaway

This conflict highlights the broader debate over the role of student activism in schools, with state officials seeking to limit political protests during class time, while students assert their right to voice opposition to federal immigration policies.