EPISD Withdraws Student After Discovering Family Resides in Mexico

A case involving a student at Juan Seguin Elementary School, formerly Robert E. Lee Elementary, has sparked debate after it was discovered that the child did not reside in the United States. The Eagle Pass Independent School District (EPISD) confirmed that the student was withdrawn from the school after an investigation revealed that his family lived in Piedras Negras, Mexico.

Residency Rules and District Policy

Superintendent Samuel Mijares clarified that the issue was not related to the child’s immigration status, but rather his place of residence. According to Texas law, students must live within the school district’s boundaries to be eligible for enrollment.

“Immigration status does not matter; the law states that students must reside within Maverick County, and this has always been the standard,” Superintendent Mijares said.

The student’s parents listed an Eagle Pass address on enrollment forms, but an investigation found that they did not live at the residence. The school district determined that the student did not meet residency requirements, which led to his withdrawal.

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Discovery of False Enrollment

The situation came to light when the child was left alone at school at the end of the day because his parents failed to pick him up. School staff attempted to take him home but discovered that the listed address belonged to someone unrelated to the family.

After further inquiry, school authorities confirmed that the family lived in Piedras Negras and crossed the border daily to drop off and pick up the child. When the mother arrived at the school, she admitted to providing false residency information on school forms.

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Legal and Policy Implications

Under Texas education laws, school districts are required to ensure that enrolled students reside within their jurisdiction. While EPISD does not deny education based on immigration status, the law clearly states that students must live in Maverick County or within the district’s designated areas.

Superintendent Mijares reiterated that EPISD must enforce these residency rules fairly for all families. The decision to remove the student was based on compliance with district policies, not discrimination.

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The Maverick Take

This case highlights the challenges that border communities face regarding education access and school district policies. Many families in border cities like Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras have close ties, often crossing daily for work, shopping, or school. However, public schools are funded by local taxes, and priority is given to students residing within the district’s boundaries.

While some argue that education should be accessible regardless of residency, others believe that allowing students who do not live within the district to enroll takes resources away from local taxpayers. The law is clear—a student must reside within Maverick County to be eligible for EPISD enrollment.

This situation also raises broader questions about enrollment fraud and the difficult choices some families make to provide better education opportunities for their children.

Source: La Rancherita Del Aire