Dallas, Texas, February 11, 2026
On February 10, hundreds of Dallas Independent School District students staged walkouts to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The protests occurred despite warnings from the Texas Education Agency about potential penalties for participating schools. While DISD officials acknowledged the students’ right to express themselves, they cautioned that participation could impact academic records. The protests are part of a wider trend of student activism addressing immigration enforcement across Texas, drawing mixed reactions from the community.
Dallas Students Protest ICE Actions Amid State Warnings
Dallas, Texas – On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, hundreds of students from various Dallas Independent School District (DISD) high schools participated in coordinated walkouts to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The demonstrations occurred despite recent warnings from state officials about potential consequences for such actions.
Details of the Walkouts
At the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center, students gathered at the main entrance during lunchtime, holding signs and chanting slogans like “ICE out of Dallas.” Similar protests took place at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where students marched to Klyde Warren Park. These student-led demonstrations were peaceful and aimed to express opposition to federal immigration enforcement activities.
State Response and Potential Consequences
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently issued guidance warning that school districts facilitating or allowing such walkouts could face serious repercussions. Potential consequences include investigations that might lead to state intervention, loss of daily attendance funding, and disciplinary actions against educators found to have encouraged or facilitated the protests. Additionally, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into Austin Independent School District for allegedly permitting students to participate in similar protests. The investigation seeks to determine if public funds were used improperly and whether any laws were violated.
Background Context
These protests are part of a broader wave of student activism across Texas, with walkouts also occurring in districts like Forney ISD and Fort Worth ISD. The demonstrations reflect growing concerns among students and communities about federal immigration enforcement practices. In response to these concerns, some community members have called for school districts to implement policies that would prevent ICE agents from operating on or near school campuses, aiming to ensure the safety and comfort of all students, regardless of their immigration status.
District and Community Reactions
DISD officials have stated that while they respect students’ rights to free speech, they do not condone or facilitate walkouts during instructional time. The district has communicated to parents that students participating in such protests may be marked absent, which could affect their academic standing. Community reactions are mixed, with some supporting the students’ right to protest and others expressing concern over potential disruptions to the educational environment.
Implications for Student Activism
The recent events highlight the tension between student activism and state policies. While students exercise their First Amendment rights to protest, state authorities emphasize the importance of maintaining order within educational institutions. The situation underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between civic engagement and adherence to school policies, particularly concerning issues as contentious as immigration enforcement.
Looking Ahead
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how state authorities will enforce the new guidelines and what impact they will have on student activism within Texas schools. The outcome of investigations into districts like Austin ISD may set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future. For now, students and educators continue to navigate the complex landscape of free speech, education, and immigration policy.
Key Features of the Protests
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Various Dallas ISD high schools, including Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts |
| Date | February 10, 2026 |
| Purpose | Protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations |
| State Response | Warnings about potential consequences for school districts facilitating or allowing such walkouts, including investigations and loss of funding |
| Community Reaction | Mixed reactions, with some supporting the students’ right to protest and others expressing concern over potential disruptions to the educational environment |
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