Dallas Local Update: ICE School Probe, Tollway Crash, Election Prep Lead the Day
Dallas, TX – February 19, 2026 – State scrutiny of Dallas schools, a deadly tollway crash, and intensive election prep top today’s key local headlines.
Paxton probes Dallas ISD over student anti-ICE walkouts
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened a formal investigation into Dallas ISD over recent student walkouts protesting federal immigration enforcement. The probe is part of a broader state review that also targets districts near San Antonio and Austin.
State lawyers are asking Dallas ISD to turn over policies on student absences, campus security, protest communication and any use of public funds tied to demonstrations. The concern from the attorney general’s office is that staff may have encouraged or facilitated walkouts during instructional time, raising questions about safety and classroom disruption.
District leaders are being pressed to explain how they balanced student speech rights with keeping campuses secure. The investigation lands just as immigration policy and local cooperation with federal enforcement have become central political issues ahead of the March primaries.
Wrong-way crash on Dallas North Tollway leaves one dead
State troopers say a wrong-way driver caused a deadly head-on collision on the Dallas North Tollway early Monday near Royal Lane. Investigators report that a Hyundai SUV was traveling north in the southbound lanes when it struck a Land Rover.
The Hyundai driver was taken to a hospital and later died. Several people in the Land Rover were also hospitalized with serious injuries, according to the Department of Public Safety. Lanes on the tollway were shut down for hours during the overnight investigation and cleanup.
Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved, and it is not clear what led to the driver entering the tollway in the wrong direction. DPS is continuing to piece together the timeline and will determine whether impairment or other factors played a role.
Dallas County ramps up election worker training ahead of March 3 primary
With early voting under way and the March 3 primary approaching, Dallas County election officials are moving quickly to train hundreds of poll workers. Inside the elections office, new and returning clerks and judges are cycling through sessions on voter check-in, ID rules and operating voting equipment.
Local staff say they are planning for high turnout and emphasizing hands-on practice so workers can troubleshoot quickly on site. The trainings cover accessibility, curbside voting procedures and safeguards meant to protect ballot security while keeping lines moving.
Across Texas, nonpartisan groups are also reminding voters about key dates: early voting runs through February 27, and Election Day is March 3. Residents are encouraged to review sample ballots and confirm polling locations in advance to avoid last-minute confusion.
