Paxton Demands Documents in Investigation of Austin ISD Over Student Walkouts

February 3, 2026 – AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has demanded documents from the Austin Independent School District as part of an investigation into whether district officials improperly facilitated student protests against federal immigration enforcement activities.

The inquiry follows a series of student walkouts on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, when students from 14 AISD campuses left class during the school day to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. According to the Attorney General’s Office, district personnel were aware of the planned demonstrations and, in some cases, helped students leave campus.

In a letter sent to the AISD community that day, Superintendent Matias Segura stated the district is not responsible for keeping students on campus and disclaimed responsibility for the protests.

Dear Austin ISD community, 

Today, students at 14 campuses participated in student-led protests related to immigration enforcement activities. While many of our students participated in walk-out demonstrations on campus, some students left our schools and gathered at the Texas Capitol. 

It is important to note that this event is not sponsored or endorsed by Austin ISD or any of our schools. In alignment with our practices, our campuses communicate with families if and when they learn about the possibility that students may participate. 

It is always our desire to have our students in our classrooms during instructional hours. During the school day, our students are our responsibility and we’re committed to the safety of our students in our community, regardless if they are on our campus. That is why our administrators and Austin ISD Police remain with our students during protest activities during school hours.

That being said, our ability to ensure student safety is limited when they attend non-school-sanctioned events. For this reason, we encourage families to talk with their children about the family’s expectations during these types of events.

To help families make informed decisions, please keep the following in mind:

• Our staff cannot physically prevent a student from choosing to leave campus. Support from families is essential in helping students navigate and understand their family’s expectations.
• If a student leaves campus and does not return by the end of the school day, we will be unable to facilitate a return to the campus or their safe return home.
• Leaving campus during the school day to participate in a protest is considered an unexcused absence.

Our goal is to ensure that all students are accounted for and safe. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us maintain a secure and focused learning environment for every student.

Sincerely, 

Matias Segura, PE, MBA
Superintendent
Austin ISD

“Parents expect our public schools to educate and keep their kids safe during the school day, not encourage them to attend a protest field trip designed to villainize brave law enforcement officials,” Paxton said in a statement. He accused district leaders of advancing a political agenda and potentially using taxpayer resources to do so.

Paxton has requested records related to campus exit policies, excused absences, security protocols, and internal communications surrounding the walkouts. His office will examine whether public funds were used improperly and whether any state laws were violated.

AISD officials have not publicly responded to the document demand.