With the new Trump Administration signaling fundamental shifts in immigration policy, schools across the United States face an urgent crisis: the safety and well-being of over a quarter of our students are at risk.
Adam Clark, superintendent of the Mount Diablo Unified School District in California, captures the gravity of the situation, commenting that“We have parents who are afraid.” This fear is not unfounded; educators anticipate that students may begin to disappear from school. Parents worry that a morning drop-off could lead to separation from their children, especially with the looming presence of ICE officials at schools.
Educators from Maine to California express deep concerns about the potential impact of including schools at sites of immigration enforcement. Approximately 3.2 million families with mixed-immigration status face the anguish of deportation, leaving citizen children unsure if they will return home to an empty house. In response, families are starting to hesitate to send their children to school, anxious about their safety. On December 10, the Des Moines, Iowa School Board responded to families concerns, stating, “We understand that fear and uncertainty, especially concerning the potential deportation of family members, can significantly impact our students ‘well-being, their attendance, and their ability to learn.”
Current Department of Homeland Security policy designates schools as protected areas where immigration enforcement should be avoided. However, President Trump has vowed to step up enforcement in his second term, raising alarms among educators and families alike that the policy will change.
This uncertainty leaves many educators feeling caught in a dilemma. Some have been told to limit their focus on supporting immigrant students, actions deemed “too political” by some administrators in an increasingly polarized environment. This silencing support exacerbates the pain. Trusting relationships between teachers and students are crucial for academic success. As teachers witness concern in their students’ eyes, they know that ignoring these issues only worsens the situation.
The impact of these fears extends beyond immigrant families. Even if the policy does not change, or if mass deportations do not occur, the anxiety surrounding these policies contributes to a hostile environment that disrupts learning for everyone. Indeed, teachers are already reporting heightened hostility directed at immigrants and marginalized groups.
This is not a side issue. Immigrant students play a vital role in stabilizing school enrollment numbers, particularly in cities and rural areas experiencing population declines. Far from taking spots from American-born students, these children help keep schools open, preserve teaching positions, and sustain educational funding. Moreover, their presence enriches the learning environment for all students, fostering diversity and social cohesion that yield significant academic and social benefits.
A 1982 Supreme Court ruling guarantees equal access to education for all students, regardless of their immigration status. Therefore, clarifying and strengthening these protocols should be understood as efforts to comply with the spirit of the ruling. Immediate action is imperative to ensure schools are safe havens for all students. This means implementing measures to ensure their well-being.
A crucial part of this effort should be advocating to prevent schools from becoming sites of immigration enforcement. Communities must engage with local educational administrators, school boards and law enforcement to establish clear, lawful protocols for handling immigration-related issues and responding to potential changes in federal policy. In addition to work in schools, communication networks are needed to direct those in need to counseling services and legal assistance. By prioritizing the needs of immigrant students and their families within the framework of existing legal protections, and actively working to keep schools free from immigration enforcement, we can ensure that schools will focus on their educational mission.
Long-term investment in inclusive education is equally critical. Building partnerships between schools and local organizations that support immigrant families can enhance social cohesion and build belonging. Establishing metrics to assess student belonging and understand the effectiveness of these initiatives will ensure that we meet the needs of all students.
If schools become associated with immigration enforcement, family separation and deportation, their role as academic centers and community hubs will be compromised. We must invest in inclusive education as a strategic approach to building resilient communities in an increasingly diverse world. Schools must remain sanctuaries of learning and understanding for every child, ensuring that all students feel valued and empowered.
In Plyler v. Doe decision, the Justices proclaimed, “education has a fundamental role in maintaining the fabric of our society.” We cannot ignore the significant social costs borne by our nation when select groups are denied the means to absorb the values and skills upon which our social order rests. To protect the rights of all students, we must act now. Attend school board meetings, engage with local officials, and advocate for policies that keep schools free from immigration enforcement. The time for action is now—the future of our children depends on it.