AUSTIN — Federal immigration agents and Texas state troopers detained a couple near Dobie Middle School in April, later deported them to Mexico with their three children, and have detained more than 70 minors in the Austin area since President Donald Trump took office, according to federal data and local officials.
Body camera video from the Texas Department of Public Safety shows Louis Malfaro approaching officers parked on the sidewalk outside Dobie Middle School as agents pulled over a couple for a traffic violation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said both adults had deportation orders. Days later, ICE sent the family to Mexico, including two children who are U.S. citizens.
In the Austin metro area, ICE detained more than 70 minors between January and Oct. 15, 2025, a 94% increase from the last full year of former President Joe Biden, according to data provided through a Freedom of Information Act request and analyzed by KXAN.
Austin Independent School District said it is aware of students whose parents have been detained but reported no detentions on or near campuses. The teachers’ union Education Austin said at least six district employees have been detained this school year.
ICE officials did not respond to questions about operations near schools. In January 2025, the Trump administration rescinded a policy limiting immigration enforcement in protected areas such as schools.
