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Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Forces Families To Reconsider Sending Children To School

Families fear school attendance risks as Trump’s immigration crackdown sparks heightened concerns over potential deportation threats.

As President Donald Trump intensifies his crackdown on immigrants in the US illegally, some families are questioning whether it is safe to send their children to school.

Educators across the country have sought to reassure immigrant parents that schools remain safe spaces for their children, despite Trump’s pledge to implement mass deportations. However, fears escalated on Tuesday after the administration announced it would permit federal immigration agencies to make arrests at schools, churches, and hospitals, reversing a long-standing policy that protected these “sensitive locations.”

“Oh, dear God! I can’t imagine why they would do that,” said Carmen, a Mexican immigrant, after hearing that the Trump administration had rescinded the policy. Carmen plans to take her two grandchildren, aged 6 and 4, to their school in the San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday unless school officials warn her that it is unsafe.

“What has helped calm my nerves is knowing that the school stands with us and promised to inform us if it’s not safe at school,” Carmen added, speaking on the condition that only her first name be used, fearing she could be targeted by immigration authorities.

Immigrants across the US are increasingly anxious about Trump’s promise to deport millions. While large-scale raids did not take place on the administration’s first day, rapid changes in immigration policies have left many feeling confused and uncertain about their future. Even migrants legally in the country are reconsidering public activities out of caution.

Schools across the nation are closely monitoring the situation as they prepare for potential impacts on student attendance. Several schools reported receiving calls from worried parents about rumours that immigration agents could enter school grounds, though it remains unclear whether significant numbers of families are keeping their children at home.

Missing school can deprive students of more than education. For children from low-income families, including many immigrants, schools are critical providers of food, mental health services, and other essential support.

Tuesday’s decision to allow arrests at schools overturns a decades-old policy restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from operating in sensitive locations. In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said,

“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.”

The policy shift has drawn criticism from educators and advocates. “It’s horrific,” said Daniela Anello, head of D.C. Bilingual Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.

“There’s no such thing as hiding anyone. It doesn’t happen, hasn’t happened. … It’s ridiculous.”

The Migration Policy Institute estimates that approximately 733,000 school-aged children in the US are undocumented, while many others are US citizens with undocumented parents.

The administration’s latest immigration policy changes have left these families grappling with fear and uncertainty, forcing difficult decisions about their children’s education and safety.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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