US student walkouts over immigration enforcement spread nationwide as Texas threatens penalties

By Gizem Nisa Demir

ISTANBUL (AA) - Student walkouts protesting immigration enforcement have spread across more than three dozen US states, with teenagers leaving classes from Utah to Maine and Maryland despite warnings from officials, according to American media.

The New York Times reported on Sunday that in Texas, Republican leaders led by Gov. Greg Abbott have threatened disciplinary action, including possible funding cuts and arrests tied to demonstrations.

“Schools and staff who allow this behavior should be treated as co-conspirators,” Abbott said on the US social media company X. At a news conference on Feb. 4, he said: “You don’t have freedom of speech to say and act any way you want to, anywhere you want to, anytime you want to.”

Despite the warnings, at least 10 walkouts took place in the Dallas area on Feb. 10.

Student organizer Cat Krankota said: “It is important, especially right now, that students understand that they have the right and the privilege to speak up for what they believe in,” while participant Paola Ramirez added: “I see injustices happening everywhere.”

Civil rights advocates, including the ACLU of Texas, criticized the state’s response, arguing that threats such as school takeovers could be unconstitutional retaliation.

Similar protests have emerged nationwide, with students citing free-speech protections, including the Supreme Court precedent set by Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District.