Houston Independent School District

Alim Garipov, an 18-year-old Houston ISD student from Russia, was detained by ICE on July 17 but released three days later. Immigration experts attribute his detention for an overstayed visa and pending asylum case to ICE's expanded enforcement under the Trump administration.

Alim Garipov, an 18-year-old Bellaire High School student from Russia described as a standout student and athlete, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His supporters have expressed pushback following the arrest.

The Houston ISD board postponed voting on its $2 billion proposed 2026-27 budget. The vote has been rescheduled for June 25, less than a week before a deadline.

Texas' largest school district, Houston Independent School District (HISD), saw significant improvements in test scores after a state takeover in 2023. Data shows increased reading and math performance in elementary and middle schools, along with narrowed achievement gaps in high schools. Critics argue the intervention was racially discriminatory, while officials attribute the gains to reforms like a centralized curriculum and specialized classes.

Eight riders were stranded near the top of the Iron Shark roller coaster at Texas' Pleasure Pier for over three hours before firefighters rescued them. The incident involved students from two HISD charter schools, and the cause of the malfunction remains unexplained. All individuals were safely evacuated.