San Antonio students from 50+ schools hold anti-ICE press conference

Students organize protest against local cooperation with immigration enforcement

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Students from more than 50 San Antonio schools plan to hold a press conference, mutual aid drive, and march on Monday to protest cooperation between local officials, law enforcement, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The demonstration is organized by San Antonio Students for Peace in collaboration with student leaders, amid nationwide school walkouts against mass deportation and ICE-related violence.

Why it matters

The event highlights growing student activism against immigration enforcement, as well as tensions between students, educators, and state authorities over political expression in schools. The Texas Education Agency has warned that student 'political activism' could face investigations, funding cuts, and state takeovers of local school boards.

The details

The protest is set to begin at 2 p.m. at the Municipal Plaza Building off West Commerce Street before proceeding to the Alamo. Student organizer Daniel Perez said 'Students are the future of this country, and staying silent means letting decisions be made without us. This is our moment to speak up and take responsibility for protecting and supporting our community.' The Texas Education Agency recently appointed an inspector general to oversee investigations and sanctions related to 'inappropriate political activism' by students, teachers, or school districts.

  • The protest is scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The players

San Antonio Students for Peace

A student activist group organizing the protest against ICE cooperation.

Daniel Perez

A high school student organizer for the protest.

Texas Education Agency (TEA)

The state education agency that has warned of investigations and sanctions for 'inappropriate political activism' by students and schools.

Mike Morath

The TEA Commissioner who appointed an inspector general to oversee misconduct related to student political expression.

Levi Fuller

The TEA's first inspector general for education misconduct, tasked with investigating and enforcing sanctions related to student political activism.

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What they’re saying

“Students are the future of this country, and staying silent means letting decisions be made without us. This is our moment to speak up and take responsibility for protecting and supporting our community.”

— Daniel Perez, High school student organizer (foxsanantonio.com)

“This is a new era of McCarthyism, one defined by mass digital surveillance and the accelerated dismantling of the education system.”

— DakotaRei Frausto, Development and public relations director, San Antonio Students for Peace (foxsanantonio.com)

What’s next

The protest and march are scheduled to take place on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 2 p.m. in downtown San Antonio.

The takeaway

This student-led protest highlights the growing tensions between young activists, local authorities, and state education officials over the limits of political expression in schools. The event reflects a nationwide movement of students speaking out against immigration enforcement and the potential consequences they face for doing so.