Community advocates, FIEL Houston and state representatives are demanding accountability from Houston ISD after adults at a high school volleyball game allegedly threatened to call ICE on students’ parents, and the confrontation was caught on video.
The incident happened during a volleyball game between Austin High School and Kashmere High School. A video of the confrontation captured an adult saying: “We’re gonna call ICE on your parents.”
An Austin High mother who witnessed the confrontation says the troubling comments started before the video began recording. She says she heard one of the Kashmere High parents in the video tell a group of boys: “Y’all need to go back to Mexico.”
However, one of the women seen in the video offered a different account, claiming the boys heard in the video were cursing at players and disrespecting a teacher. The witnessing mother and her daughter disputed those claims.
State Representative Christina Morales did not mince words at a news conference with other local leaders.
“There must be consequences. Anyone who threatens a student at a school event should be removed,” Morales said.
Community leader Roshawn Evans of Pure Justice urged solidarity between communities affected by the climate of fear.
“Black and brown communities, we have far more reason to stand together than we do apart,” Evans said.
The Austin High School principal said administrators from both schools stepped in during the incident and stated there is no place for racism or hateful remarks at Austin High School.
HISD released a statement saying in part that campus administrators intervened at the event and that the district is continuing to review what occurred and will take appropriate action based on its findings.
Community advocates say they will continue pushing for accountability from the district.
HISD Full Statement:
Houston ISD is aware of an incident involving spectators during a recent volleyball game between Austin High School and Kashmere High School. Campus administrators intervened at the event, and the District is continuing to review what occurred and follow up with the students, families, and others involved.
HISD takes concerns about inappropriate, threatening, or intimidating behavior seriously. Such behavior has no place at our schools or school-sponsored events. The safety, dignity, and well-being of our students, families, and staff remain our top priorities.
The District is addressing this matter in accordance with its policies and procedures and will take appropriate action based on the findings of its review.
Campus leaders have maintained ongoing communication with their school communities about the incident and will update families as the District’s review continues.
HISD remains committed to ensuring that athletic events provide a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for students, families, staff, and spectators.
