Parents slam schools for forcing kids into anti-ICE protests

Parents warn schools are crossing a line by using authority and class time to involve children in political protests without consent
PUBLISHED FEB 14, 2026
High school students rallied during an anti-ICE walkout on February 6, 2026, in Austin, Texas (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
High school students rallied during an anti-ICE walkout on February 6, 2026, in Austin, Texas (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Parents across the US are speaking out against teachers and school administrators they say are involving children in anti–Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests and walkouts. Families argue that using school authority and resources to push students into political activism crosses a line, raising concerns about safety, education, and parental consent.

Reports from multiple districts show that while anti-ICE advocacy is spreading among students, so too are complaints from parents about kids being pulled out of class for politically charged demonstrations.



Parents lash out against schools on social media

Many parents have turned to X and Facebook to express frustration after learning their children were encouraged or required to participate in anti-ICE protests during school hours. In several states, students have walked out to protest federal immigration enforcement, focusing on ICE operations.

In an aerial view, high school students march during a walkout in protest against ICE on February 06, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Students from across several high schools in Central Austin rallied participated in a walkout in protest against ICE operations around the country. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
In an aerial view, high school students marched during a February 6, 2026, walkout in Austin, Texas, protesting ICE operations nationwide (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

One video from Washington State went viral showing a parent confronting school officials after his child was forced to attend a protest without parental permission. The father claimed his child faced expulsion after posting about the teacher-led protest online.



Another parent in Auburn, Washington pulled her daughter out of school over a school-approved protest rally, confronting officials directly.





Parents argue schools should prioritize education during class hours and obtain explicit parental consent before allowing children to participate in protests.

Debate grows over schools’ role in student activism

Many parents are questioning the role of schools in political activism. Critics say educators should focus on teaching and student safety, not organizing political protests.

In Seattle, schools allowed students to walk out for anti-ICE protests while denying participation in a Seahawks parade. Radio host Ari Hoffman highlighted the discrepancy.



In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott warned that schools encouraging anti-ICE walkouts could face funding penalties.



Abbott added that superintendents, principals, and educators have a responsibility to ensure students remain in class unless parents explicitly approve absences.

Parents nationwide are now calling for clear boundaries and policies to prevent schools from using authority and resources to involve students in political activism. The debate highlights tensions over parental rights, education, and the role of schools in civic engagement.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being

made online.

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