Hundreds of thousands of students across the country are facing attendance drops in schools following highly publicized ICE raids, with some classrooms experiencing up to two-thirds of students being temporarily absent. School districts from New York to Los Angeles, Chicago, and Denver have reported students staying home out of fear of deportation, despite the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing free public education to every child, regardless of immigration status. A new Trump administration policy has granted ICE agents more leeway to target schools and other educational facilities, raising concerns about the impact on children and communities.

In response to these developments, school districts and communities are taking action to protect students. In Texas, school police are investigating a tragic incident where an 11-year-old girl reportedly died by suicide after facing harassment related to her family’s immigration status. Various organizations are advocating against ICE enforcement actions near schools, with Denver Public Schools seeking legal intervention to prevent such operations around educational buildings and bus stops.

Educators and community leaders are emphasizing the importance of schools as safe havens for students and expressing concerns about the potential negative effects on academic progress and well-being. Despite arguments minimizing the concerns about enforcement at schools, the focus remains on supporting students and ensuring that all children have access to quality education. As school communities navigate these challenges, the overarching goal is to maintain a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or immigration status.