Republican officials in Texas and Florida are moving aggressively to stop what they describe as politically motivated anti-ICE school walkouts, warning educators not to use classrooms as staging grounds for protests against federal immigration enforcement.
The push comes after student walkouts erupted in several districts nationwide in response to stepped-up immigration enforcement actions.
In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott cautioned students earlier this month that skipping class to participate in demonstrations would carry consequences. State leaders have since escalated their response.
Greg Abbott: “If kids are skipping class, going out protesting, those schools are not going to be paid for that day.”pic.twitter.com/emDWou8YdP
— Thomas Sowell Quotes (@ThomasSowell) February 7, 2026
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Monday that his office has opened investigations into three independent school districts over allegations they were “facilitating student protests against lawful immigration enforcement.”
“I will not allow Texas schools to become breeding grounds for the radical Left’s open borders agenda,” Paxton, who is running for the U.S. Senate, wrote on X.
Paxton’s office has not publicly identified the districts under review but said it is examining whether administrators improperly encouraged or organized student participation in protests targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Conservative officials argue that public schools exist to educate, not to advance political causes. Supporters of the walkouts, including some teachers’ unions, have framed the demonstrations as student-led expressions of civic engagement.
National teachers’ unions have voiced support for student activism related to immigration policy. The National Education Association has circulated materials and fundraising appeals tied to immigration issues, drawing sharp criticism from conservatives who say children are being drawn into partisan fights.
Florida leaders have taken a similar stance.
Our kids are not pawns for political activism. Education, not indoctrination. https://t.co/xtx2N63822
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) February 5, 2026
After a Florida teachers union suggested participation in anti-ICE protests was “required,” state officials responded forcefully.
Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote on X that “Our kids are not pawns for political activism. Education, not indoctrination.”
Florida Education Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsas also criticized the Florida Education Association, saying its rhetoric crossed a line.
“In the background of this statement were union members here in Florida nodding along with the messaging, totally inappropriate, totally unacceptable, yet there was no condemnation from the union,” Kamoutsas, a Republican, said.
In Lee County, Florida, several students were suspended last week after walking out of class to join an anti-ICE protest. District officials said the disciplinary actions were tied to unexcused absences and violations of school policy.
RELATED: Largest Teachers Union In U.S. Promotes Student Anti-ICE Walkouts
The dispute underscores the broader political battle over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has prioritized increased ICE operations and deportations. Critics have staged rallies and walkouts in response, while Republican leaders insist that federal immigration laws must be enforced.
Texas and Florida officials have signaled that further action could follow if districts are found to be encouraging student participation in demonstrations during school hours.
For now, both states are making clear that, in their view, classrooms are for instruction, not organizing protests against federal law.
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