Houston Student Walkout: Area High Schools Plan Dismissals for Protests Against ICE as TEA and Abbott Warn of Sanctions and Possible Consequences.
Despite warnings issued this week by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Governor Greg Abbott, students at several Houston-area high schools plan to continue protests against ICE and to participate in walkouts during the school day on Friday, February 6, according to information shared by students and community organizers.
The plans come amid a wave of student protests in Texas against the federal immigration crackdown. In recent days, large demonstrations were reported in school districts in the area, including a walkout by thousands of students from Fort Bend ISD on Tuesday. In Houston, more than 100 Houston ISD students gathered to call for the release of Mauro Henriquez, an 18-year-old student detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to reports.
Which Houston-Area Schools Are Planning Walkouts This Friday
Friday’s walkouts are planned at several high schools and districts. According to the report, there are scheduled exits at Bellaire High School (Houston ISD), Atascocita High School, and Summer Creek High School (Humble ISD), and South Houston High School (Pasadena ISD).
Additionally, plans have been shared for student demonstrations in other districts in the region. In Spring ISD, students at Westfield High School plan to start their exit at noon and walk from the campus at 16713 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77090, to a nearby CVS store located at 1325 FM 1960 Rd. W., Houston, TX 77090, according to information shared by students.
In Pearland ISD, students at Dawson High School, Turner High School and Pearland High School are also considering participating, though times and routes may vary by campus. In Conroe ISD, The Woodlands High School, Grand Oaks High School and Oak Ridge High School are mentioned, with exits that, in most cases, are anticipated during lunch periods.
In Humble ISD, students indicated that dismissal times will vary by school, though many are planned around noon. In some cases, they said they plan to walk toward nearby malls or public gathering areas to carry out protests against ICE off campus.
Walkouts and Protests Against ICE
The expansion of ICE protests in public schools comes days after state authorities sharpened their stance on consequences. According to the report, TEA warned on Tuesday that disciplinary action would be taken against teachers who help students protest during school hours.
In a bulletin cited in coverage, the TEA indicated that school officials and teachers cannot “ignore students released into the public space” nor “facilitate disruption” of activities during class hours. The agency noted that teachers who have encouraged or driven protest activities will be investigated and sanctioned.
The same guidance warned that districts participating in what it defined as “inappropriate political activism” could face state oversight, including the possibility of replacing elected school boards with a state-appointed board of administrators.
Abbott and Paxton Toughen the Message on Walkouts
Governor Greg Abbott also spoke publicly. According to the report, Abbott urged that some students who leave class to protest be arrested and threatened to withdraw funding from schools “that abandon their duty” to teach the curriculum required by law.
In a post on X, Abbott described walkouts “disruptive” and allowed by schools as a factor that leads to “chaos,” and stated that schools and staff who permit that behavior should be treated as “accomplices” and not be immune to criminal conduct, as cited.
In parallel, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that his office opened an investigation into Austin ISD for allegedly “facilitating” student protests against immigration enforcement activities that the state considers legal, according to the report.
What Districts Say: Student Expression vs. School Safety
As calls for protests grow, several districts in the Houston area have reiterated that they do not endorse demonstrations during instructional time, while also emphasizing safety and supervision measures.
According to the reported information, the districts’ message has been consistent: student expression is protected, but exits during school hours are not allowed and could carry disciplinary consequences.
The planned walkouts are expected, for the most part, around lunchtime. In several cases, students plan to leave the campus and walk to stores or public meeting points, a detail that has intensified concerns from state authorities and schools about supervision and safety.
So far, area districts have not reported whether these exits will be excused or how attendance will be handled. Authorities have advised parents and guardians to contact each school directly to confirm guidelines, safety measures, and potential academic or disciplinary consequences.
Student Walkouts and Protests Against ICE
For this Friday, February 6, students from several high schools in Houston and the region have planned protests against ICE during the school day, including walkouts around noon and, in some cases, travel to nearby areas off campus.
At the same time, TEA warned of sanctions for teachers who “facilitate” these actions and Governor Abbott threatened consequences for schools that permit exits. With that backdrop, families and students considering participating or wanting to understand what will happen on their campus should review local district statements and consult directly with their school about safety, attendance, and the rules in place for the day.
