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Austin, Texas – Hundreds of students, parents, and community members mobilized on Presidents’ Day, February 16, 2026, to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, marching from Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capitol. The demonstration, part of a statewide day of action, underscored growing concerns about immigration enforcement and its impact on Central Texas families. The protest comes amid increased scrutiny of student activism, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently launching an investigation into alleged coordination between Austin ISD and students involved in prior walkouts.

Organizers emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstration and civic engagement, deliberately scheduling the event on a school holiday to avoid disruptions to education. “We scheduled this specifically today so that everybody can come out on their own accord,” said Shaila Garcia, a protester from Austin Community College, as reported by CBS Austin. “They are not walking out of school. They are not skipping lessons. We are here to stand up and show that we can organize this properly, legally, peacefully, and not skip school.” The demonstration aimed to send a clear message to state leaders about the demand for immigration reform and an end to what protesters described as harmful ICE practices.

The rally began at Austin City Hall, where participants voiced their opposition to ICE’s activities, citing recent enforcement actions and concerns about family separations. Amaris Sanchez, a student and protest organizer, articulated the core message of the demonstration: “I seek people to see this and be like, this is my time to vote and to make change and to step up and do what we can to help our world and our community get it all together.” The march to the Texas Capitol aimed to directly address Governor Greg Abbott and state lawmakers.

Students Voice Concerns Over ICE Activity

The protest was sparked by recent ICE activity in Austin and Minneapolis, specifically referencing the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as broader concerns about the agency’s enforcement tactics. Students from high schools across Central Texas – including Austin, Hutto, Hays, and Pflugerville – participated in the demonstration, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Protesters called for an end to ICE’s presence in communities and advocated for more humane immigration policies.

Jacob Saldaña, a senior at Bowie High School, urged continued activism despite criticism from state officials. “Education and advocacy make a difference. What’s happening around the country shapes how our friends and classmates live,” Saldaña said, as reported by KUT 90.5. “The least we can do is acknowledge it, learn about it and stand by them. That is not politics; that is being human.”

Paxton Investigation and AISD Response

The student protests have drawn the attention of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who, without providing evidence, accused Austin ISD of coordinating with students during a previous walkout late last month. Paxton opened an investigation into the district’s alleged involvement. Austin ISD has denied any collaboration, stating that teachers, police, and administrators were present at walkouts to ensure student safety. The district subsequently adjusted its policy in response to the criticism and an increase in student demonstrations.

The protests similarly come after a series of student walkouts across Central Texas opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, as noted in a report by Yahoo News. Organizers are emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest and are working with adults and the Austin Police Department to monitor the demonstrations.

Looking Ahead

CBS Austin reached out to Governor Greg Abbott’s office for a response to Monday’s protest but had not received a statement as of Tuesday morning. The student-led movement demonstrates a growing political awareness among young people and a determination to advocate for immigration reform. The ongoing investigations by Attorney General Paxton and the continued activism by students suggest that this issue will remain a focal point of debate in Texas in the coming weeks and months.

What are your thoughts on student activism and immigration policy? Share your comments below and join the conversation.

The American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, once lauded for its generous rewards, is now facing scrutiny for diminished benefits and increasing costs, according to a recent review by The MileLion. What was once a standout offering has grow, for many, a less compelling option in the competitive landscape of business credit cards.

The card’s decline began with the removal of perks previously enjoyed by cardholders. A first-year annual fee waiver, which effectively provided a complimentary Accor Plus Explorer membership, is no longer available. Previously, cardholders could earn miles on a wide range of expenses, including charitable donations, school fees, and even utility bills. A particularly attractive feature allowed users to earn miles by topping up their GrabPay accounts and using those funds to pay taxes and contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF), a practice that spurred some to register businesses solely to qualify for the card.

These benefits have been steadily eroded. The ability to earn miles on GrabPay top-ups has been eliminated, and earn rates have been reduced. Lounge access, once a standard perk, has been removed entirely. Adding to the discontent, American Express increased the annual fee to S$400 in April 2025, a significant jump from the previous S$304.59.

Despite these changes, the card retains some appeal, particularly for those with limited alternatives. The MileLion review notes that it remains a “decent corporate card,” suggesting its value lies primarily in comparison to other options available to businesses. However, for individuals able to utilize personal credit cards for business spending, the AMEX HighFlyer Card offers little incentive.

Currently, the card offers up to 8 HighFlyer points per dollar spent on eligible Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights, and 1.2 HighFlyer points per dollar on all other eligible purchases. Cardholders can convert these points to KrisFlyer miles at a 1:1 rate, up to a maximum of 150,000 miles annually. A welcome bonus of up to 31,200 HighFlyer points is available, contingent upon meeting specific spending requirements and paying the annual fee.

The card requires an annual income of S$30,000 and a valid Unique Entity Number (UEN), necessitating business registration with ACRA. Even as a minimum turnover or number of employees is not required, the UEN is a prerequisite for application. Supplementary cards are available, with the first two offered at no additional cost, and subsequent cards incurring a fee of S$100.85.

Beyond rewards, the card offers a fast-track to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status for those who spend at least S$15,000 on Singapore Airlines or Scoot tickets within the first year of card membership. A complimentary ALL Accor+ Explorer membership is also included with annual fee payment, providing benefits such as free nights and discounts at Accor hotels. However, maintaining the Accor Plus membership now requires continued annual fee payment.

The AMEX HighFlyer Card’s future remains uncertain, as its value proposition continues to be reassessed in light of evolving benefits and increasing costs. The card’s trajectory serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how quickly rewards programs can change and highlighting the importance of carefully evaluating credit card options.