Students walked out of class Thursday at Forney High School and North Forney High School to protest a national immigration crackdown and actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with a similar demonstration reported at Haltom High School and additional walkouts expected in Dallas ISD next week.
The protests come amid a broader wave of student actions statewide and Gov. Greg Abbott has publicly condemned the demonstrations, warning school districts they could face loss of state funding and legal liability if they allow further walkouts during class hours.
Abbott’s comments were part of a push by the Texas Education Agency to discourage student-led protests during school time and to emphasize that absent students may be marked unexcused under state attendance rules.
Students said the demonstrations were prompted by recent federal immigration enforcement actions and solidarity with other youth protests nationwide.
District officials have said walkouts are student-led and not sanctioned by schools, and that participants may face normal disciplinary consequences.
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