In New York City, a six-year-old first grader named镇 travailattend has been frequently visiting the school nurse, hoping to be sent home.Her teacher noticed her unusual behavior and realized the root cause. The girl fears that if she stays at school until the end of the day, she might not be able to see her mother if ICE agents show up, potentially leading to an immigration enforcement action against her family. Her teacher, Katie Kurjakovic, an English language learners specialist, has been comforting the child and trying to make her feel safe by keeping her close during the day. This racks both the teacher and the student, highlighting the challenges educators face in maintaining a sense of security for their students amid the ongoing uncertainty caused by the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Educators across the country are dealing with heightened anxiety among students and parents, as the administration has reversed a policy that previously restricted ICE agents from entering schools, churches, and hospitals. This reversal has left schools and educators scrambling for guidance on how to handle potential ICE visits. Teachers are not only tasked with educating their students but also with reassessing their safety and well-being, often in ways they have not experienced before. The fear is not only evident in the students but also in their families, who are anxious about the potential repercussions of ICE actions on their lives.
The Trump administration has been tracking its deportation efforts and showcasing these actions on social media as part of a public relations campaign. While there have been no confirmed reports of ICE agents entering schools, the widespread fear sparked by the administration’s policies has led to a notable drop in classroom attendance in some urban areas. Deb Gesualdo, president of the teachers union in Malden, Massachusetts, compares the situation to a “terrible rain cloud” hanging over everyone, emphasizing the psychological trauma this brings to both students and educators.
In Virginia, teachers are facing similar challenges as students express fear about their friends’ immigration status. David Walrod, president of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, describes how students are worried about their classmates being taken from the school by ICE agents. This anxiety affects not only the individual student but also the entire classroom, creating a ripple effect of fear and uncertainty.
Educators and advocates across the country are working to provide guidance to teachers and parents on how to handle ICE encounters. In Massachusetts, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has issued directives on how school officials should respond if ICE agents attempt to question or remove students. The guidance emphasizes preparing for scenarios where a parent might be arrested or detained, ensuring that schools remain safe for children.
Despite these efforts, some local officials support the Trump administration’s push to allow ICE agents into schools. Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, has stated his willingness to comply with federal efforts and even proposed requiring parents to report their immigration status when enrolling their children. This proposal, however, still needs to be approved by the state legislature and governor.
Meanwhile, in New York City, where thousands of migrant children have enrolled in public schools since 2022, parents like Yensy Lopez continue to worry about ICE agents knocking on their doors. Lopez, a Colombian migrant with work permit and asylum proceedings, has seen her children experience psychological trauma from random visits to a temporary shelter they are staying in. Mayor Eric Adams has stated his commitment to protecting the education of these children, emphasizing that schools should remain welcoming and safe places.
In California,Attorney General Rob Bonta has vowed to defend educators and immigrant students against what he calls the “fear and uncertainty” created by the Trump administration’s policies. Bonta reaffirms that California’s schools will remain a safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of immigration status. One California teacher, Diana Herrera, has even vowed to “protect her students by any means necessary” should ICE agents appear, highlighting the stark reality facing educators in the state.
In contrast, some state officials, like Ryan Walters in Oklahoma, have voiced support for the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce immigration laws, arguing that schools must be held accountable and not become safe havens for undocumented immigrants. His proposal to require parents to report immigration status has sparked debate, with critics arguing it creates an unwelcome environment for Already vulnerable families.
Overall, the situation highlights the deepening divide over immigration policies, with educators and advocates on one side and federal officials on the other. While there is no confirmed evidence of ICE agents entering schools, the fear and psychological trauma caused by the administration’s rhetoric and actions are real and far-reaching, affecting both students and the educators who strive to protect them. As the country grapples with these complexities, one thing is clear: schools are supposed to be a place of safety and learning, but the current political climate has turned that ideal into a challenging reality for many.
