Welcome back. Across the country, immigration enforcement is creating new pressure points for schools, especially around attendance, engagement, and community trust. This week’s issue captures how districts are managing the ripple effects.
What’s Happening Nationally
A growing number of education groups say actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are driving students out of school, with families keeping children home amid fear of arrests near campuses and bus stops. Advocates are urging Congress to restore limits on enforcement near schools by tying Department of Homeland Security funding to stricter guardrails. The debate is now tied to federal budget negotiations, raising the stakes for school access, attendance, and student stability nationwide.
How School Leaders Are Managing
More than two-thirds of U.S. high school principals report that fears tied to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are disrupting attendance and increasing student anxiety. Many schools are responding by creating enforcement response plans, training staff, and partnering with community organizations, often without clear district guidance. The findings underscore the need for clear protocols, consistent communication, and added student supports to stabilize learning environments.
Inside a District
New Haven schools are responding to repeated student and family detentions tied to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by expanding legal support, training staff on response protocols, and reinforcing trust with immigrant families. Even with safeguards in place, fear is driving students to disengage, skip activities, and stop showing up for school altogether. The impact is already visible in attendance and engagement.
Student Voice and Action
Students across multiple states are organizing coordinated walkouts to protest recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing fear and trauma after witnessing arrests in their communities. District leaders report emotions running high, with students describing enforcement activity as deeply unsettling and disruptive to learning. Schools are meeting with student organizers ahead of time to protect safety, uphold free speech rights, and limit disruption for students who remain in class.
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