Students across multiple school districts in Central Texas staged significant walkouts on March 25, 2024, in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. The demonstrations involved students from Hays CISD, Manor ISD, Lockhart ISD, and Pflugerville ISD, prompting immediate reactions from state officials, including investigations led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and directives from Governor Greg Abbott.
The protests, which affected at least four school districts, saw hundreds of students leaving their classrooms. Reports indicated that several hundred students walked out from five campuses within Hays CISD, specifically at Hays High School, Live Oak Academy High School, Johnson High School, Lehman High School, and Barton Middle School. Additional walkouts occurred at three campuses in Manor ISD and all five high schools in Pflugerville ISD.
In response to these demonstrations, state officials initiated inquiries into the situation. Attorney General Paxton demanded documents from Austin ISD concerning campus departure policies and internal communications. This investigation follows Governor Abbott’s order to the state education commissioner to look into the matter, emphasizing that taxpayer funds are meant for educational purposes, not facilitating student protests.
Despite the students’ motivations, school administrators clarified that the walkouts were not authorized. According to district policies, students who participated would be marked absent and could face disciplinary actions for breaching campus rules. Lockhart High School students, for instance, left around 1:10 p.m. and marched along Highway 183 toward downtown Lockhart, as outlined in a communication from Principal Michael Herbin. Law enforcement, including the Caldwell County Constables and Lockhart Police Department, monitored the situation to ensure safety.
In Pflugerville ISD, the majority of students who departed campus gathered near the Pflugerville Justice Center, prompting district officials to encourage parents to arrange transportation for their children. Hays CISD expressed hope that the situation would serve as an educational opportunity, enabling students to better understand their rights and responsibilities.
Aside from the protests, the day was marked by other significant events in the Austin area. Austin police responded to a barricaded suspect following a domestic disturbance call early in the morning. This incident, which began around 05:00, coincided with announcements of policy changes by Austin police regarding cooperation with ICE, stirring a variety of community reactions.
Tragically, a cyclist was killed after being struck by a vehicle on State Highway 71 near the Austin airport later that afternoon. The accident occurred just before the afternoon rush. Additionally, there was a pedestrian fatality on the I-35 service road in downtown Austin, following a crash that took place overnight on Saturday. Police are still searching for suspects involved in these incidents.
The Austin Fire Department also responded to a two-alarm fire at an abandoned apartment complex in southeast Austin on the same day, with the first call received around 02:48. These incidents, while separate from the student protests, highlight the various public safety challenges faced by the community.
As the situation unfolds, the reactions from school districts, state officials, and the community continue to evolve, reflecting the complexity of the issues surrounding immigration enforcement and student rights.
