Dozens of students in Austin, Texas, protested the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement on Presidents Day, February 16, 2026. The demonstration was prompted by recent ICE activity in Austin and the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Student Protests Reflect Growing Concerns
Students gathered outside City Hall Monday to protest the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Students across Central Texas have previously walked out of schools to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies, a move that has drawn criticism from Texas lawmakers.
Jacob Saldaña, a senior at Bowie High School, encouraged continued demonstrations despite criticism from the state’s governor and attorney general. “Education and advocacy make a difference. What’s happening around the country shapes how our friends and classmates live,” Saldaña said. “The least we can do is acknowledge it, learn about it and stand by them. That is not politics; that is being human.”
Attorney General Ken Paxton accused Austin ISD of coordinating student walkouts and launched an investigation into the district, though Austin ISD has denied any collaboration. The district did adjust its policy regarding walkouts in response to the criticism and increased student activism.
Following the rally at City Hall, the group of roughly 50 protesters marched to the Texas Capitol. Dezaree Walker, a second-year teacher, noted that the recent immigration crackdown has spurred her students to turn into more involved, with students writing letters and making phone calls to oppose federal immigration policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the student protests?
The protests were prompted by the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement and the recent deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE agents in Minneapolis.
What is the response from Texas officials?
Attorney General Ken Paxton accused Austin ISD of coordinating student walkouts and launched an investigation, while similarly announcing investigations into three other school districts, including Manor ISD.
What did students say at the protest?
Jacob Saldaña, a senior at Bowie High School, urged students to continue demonstrating and emphasized the importance of education and advocacy.
As these protests demonstrate, how will student activism shape the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policy?
