Austin, February 4, 2026
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the Austin Independent School District (AISD) following student protests against ICE activities. Students from multiple AISD campuses participated in walkouts to voice their dissent. The Attorney General is reviewing AISD’s policies on student absences and the use of public funds during the protests, while the Texas Education Agency investigates the district’s compliance with state laws. Community reactions are mixed, with concerns about the political motivations behind the state’s actions.
Austin, Texas – Attorney General Ken Paxton Investigates AISD Over Student Protests
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into the Austin Independent School District (AISD) following student-led protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. The protests occurred on January 30, 2026, when students from 14 AISD campuses walked out of classrooms to demonstrate against ICE operations. Reports indicate that district personnel were aware of the planned walkouts and, in some instances, facilitated students’ departure from campus. AISD Superintendent Matias Segura stated that the district has no responsibility for keeping children on campus and disavowed any responsibility for these student protests.
Attorney General Paxton has demanded that AISD provide information regarding policies related to allowing students to leave campus, excused absence policies, security protocols, and internal communications concerning the protests. The investigation aims to determine whether public funds were used improperly and whether any laws were violated during the events.
The protests were part of a nationwide movement where students across various school districts, including Hays Consolidated Independent School District (CISD), participated in walkouts to protest ICE activities. In Hays CISD, the demonstrations led to two student arrests and physical altercations with a passerby. The district has denied any connection to facilitating or condoning the walkouts and has asserted that future walkouts cannot happen.
Governor Greg Abbott has also directed the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to investigate AISD’s role in the protests. The TEA has stated that state law requires educators to facilitate student learning free from political bias and that schools have an obligation to ensure students attend school, with consequences for unexcused absences. The TEA will investigate the complaints thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure school districts are upholding state law.
These developments have raised concerns among parents and community members. Some parents appreciate the district’s efforts to ensure student safety during the protests, while others question the state’s investigations and the potential political motivations behind them. The situation continues to evolve as investigations proceed at both the state and local levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What prompted Attorney General Ken Paxton’s investigation into AISD?
Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated an investigation into the Austin Independent School District (AISD) following student-led protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities on January 30, 2026. Reports indicate that district personnel were aware of the planned walkouts and, in some instances, facilitated students’ departure from campus. AISD Superintendent Matias Segura stated that the district has no responsibility for keeping children on campus and disavowed any responsibility for these student protests.
What information has Attorney General Paxton requested from AISD?
Attorney General Paxton has demanded that AISD provide information regarding policies related to allowing students to leave campus, excused absence policies, security protocols, and internal communications concerning the protests. The investigation aims to determine whether public funds were used improperly and whether any laws were violated during the events.
How has the Texas Education Agency (TEA) responded to the situation?
The TEA has stated that state law requires educators to facilitate student learning free from political bias and that schools have an obligation to ensure students attend school, with consequences for unexcused absences. The TEA will investigate the complaints thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure school districts are upholding state law.
What have parents and community members expressed about the situation?
Parents and community members have expressed mixed reactions. Some appreciate the district’s efforts to ensure student safety during the protests, while others question the state’s investigations and the potential political motivations behind them. The situation continues to evolve as investigations proceed at both the state and local levels.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protests | Student-led demonstrations against ICE activities on January 30, 2026, involving students from 14 AISD campuses. |
| Investigation | Attorney General Ken Paxton’s inquiry into AISD’s role in facilitating the protests and potential misuse of public funds. |
| State Response | Governor Greg Abbott’s directive to the TEA to investigate AISD’s involvement and ensure compliance with state laws regarding student attendance and political neutrality. |
| Community Reaction | Mixed responses from parents and community members, with some supporting the district’s actions and others questioning the state’s involvement and motivations. |
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