Abbott directs education commissioner to investigate Austin ISD student ICE protests

January 31, 2026 - 18:23

Governor Greg Abbott has directed Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath to launch a formal investigation into the Austin Independent School District. The order comes in response to recent student-led walkouts and demonstrations protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies and operations.

The governor's call for a probe centers on concerns about how the district handled the protests. In his directive, Abbott questioned whether the school system's policies were followed and if the demonstrations disrupted mandatory instructional time. He has asked the commissioner to determine if any district resources were improperly used to support or organize the political activities.

Student activism on the issue has surged in the state's capital, with participants voicing strong opposition to current federal immigration enforcement measures. The investigation will scrutinize the district's role and compliance with state educational codes during these events. The findings could potentially impact state funding and oversight of the district, depending on the conclusions reached by the Texas Education Agency. The district has acknowledged the governor's request and stated it will cooperate fully with the state's inquiry.