El Paso Students Protest ICE, Face State Penalties for Walkouts

In recent weeks, students across El Paso have organized protests against ICE operations, with many walking out of classes to express their dissent. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has issued new guidelines warning that schools facilitating these demonstrations could face investigations or even state intervention. Students participating in walkouts will be marked absent, potentially affecting school funding, while teachers could risk losing their licenses for encouraging such actions. Despite pushback from school officials, students like Angel Chavez and Sophia Gutierrez assert their right to protest against what they view as unjust immigration enforcement. The ACLU of Texas has condemned the state's stance, arguing it infringes on students' free speech rights.

Key Details: • TEA warns schools could face state takeover for supporting student walkouts. • Students marked absent for walkouts, risking school funding based on attendance. • Teachers facilitating protests may face license revocation. • Students reported receiving disciplinary actions for participating in protests. • ACLU of Texas states that students retain free speech rights in schools.