Austin, Texas – Hundreds of students, parents, and community members mobilized on Presidents’ Day, February 16, 2026, to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, marching from Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capitol. The demonstration, part of a statewide day of action, underscored growing concerns about immigration enforcement and its impact on Central Texas families. The protest comes amid increased scrutiny of student activism, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently launching an investigation into alleged coordination between Austin ISD and students involved in prior walkouts.
Organizers emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstration and civic engagement, deliberately scheduling the event on a school holiday to avoid disruptions to education. “We scheduled this specifically today so that everybody can come out on their own accord,” said Shaila Garcia, a protester from Austin Community College, as reported by CBS Austin. “They are not walking out of school. They are not skipping lessons. We are here to stand up and show that we can organize this properly, legally, peacefully, and not skip school.” The demonstration aimed to send a clear message to state leaders about the demand for immigration reform and an end to what protesters described as harmful ICE practices.
The rally began at Austin City Hall, where participants voiced their opposition to ICE’s activities, citing recent enforcement actions and concerns about family separations. Amaris Sanchez, a student and protest organizer, articulated the core message of the demonstration: “I seek people to see this and be like, this is my time to vote and to make change and to step up and do what we can to help our world and our community get it all together.” The march to the Texas Capitol aimed to directly address Governor Greg Abbott and state lawmakers.
Students Voice Concerns Over ICE Activity
The protest was sparked by recent ICE activity in Austin and Minneapolis, specifically referencing the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as broader concerns about the agency’s enforcement tactics. Students from high schools across Central Texas – including Austin, Hutto, Hays, and Pflugerville – participated in the demonstration, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Protesters called for an end to ICE’s presence in communities and advocated for more humane immigration policies.
Jacob Saldaña, a senior at Bowie High School, urged continued activism despite criticism from state officials. “Education and advocacy make a difference. What’s happening around the country shapes how our friends and classmates live,” Saldaña said, as reported by KUT 90.5. “The least we can do is acknowledge it, learn about it and stand by them. That is not politics; that is being human.”
Paxton Investigation and AISD Response
The student protests have drawn the attention of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who, without providing evidence, accused Austin ISD of coordinating with students during a previous walkout late last month. Paxton opened an investigation into the district’s alleged involvement. Austin ISD has denied any collaboration, stating that teachers, police, and administrators were present at walkouts to ensure student safety. The district subsequently adjusted its policy in response to the criticism and an increase in student demonstrations.
The protests similarly come after a series of student walkouts across Central Texas opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, as noted in a report by Yahoo News. Organizers are emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest and are working with adults and the Austin Police Department to monitor the demonstrations.
Looking Ahead
CBS Austin reached out to Governor Greg Abbott’s office for a response to Monday’s protest but had not received a statement as of Tuesday morning. The student-led movement demonstrates a growing political awareness among young people and a determination to advocate for immigration reform. The ongoing investigations by Attorney General Paxton and the continued activism by students suggest that this issue will remain a focal point of debate in Texas in the coming weeks and months.
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