The Impact of ICE Raids on Migrant Children in New York City Schools

Fear and Uncertainty Among Families and Staff

Families and school staff in New York are concerned over the recent ICE raids and deportation threats. Many migrant and immigrant children were missing from school just days after President Donald Trump rescinded a long-standing internal policy that prevented ICE agents from making arrests at "sensitive locations" like schools and churches.

Schools See a Drop in Migrant Children’s Attendance

Some schools reported a drop in migrant children’s attendance just days following the change. "Students are afraid to come to school, especially those in our ESL programs," says Ms. Flores, a middle school teacher in Brooklyn. "As schools, we won’t let them into the building and the only way that removing a kid from the school is possible is if they have a warrant."

The Positive Impact of Migrant Children in Public Schools

According to the New York Times, the city has enrolled over 40,000 migrant children in New York City public schools since 2022. Many of these children filled missing holes at schools with low enrollment, or that were at risk of closing. Former New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks referred to the children as a ‘Godsend’ in an interview with the Times.

ICE Raids and Deportation Threats

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirmed that ICE joined federal agents for an early morning operation, but it is unclear how many people were taken into custody for immigration infractions. Sources report that at least two people were cuffed and the operations were conducted at several locations.

Fear and Uncertainty Among Families and Communities

On Tuesday, ICE agents arrested 20 immigrants wanted on federal charges, furthering the tensions and worries felt by undocumented migrants. Rumors are also swirling in states like Texas and Chicago, of potential ICE raids on high schools where the students "don’t speak English." "I’ve only heard from a few families who are hesitant about sending their children to school due to fear of enforcement actions, but I imagine we will continue to see this concern grow," says Sierra Kraft, Executive Director at ICARE, an advocacy group for immigrant children.

Schools’ Policy on ICE Raids

According to the New York City Public Schools website, schools do not permit non-local law enforcement agents, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, to enter schools – except when absolutely required by law. Non-local law enforcement can be defined as any law enforcement agency that is not a New York City agency.

Conclusion

The recent ICE raids and deportation threats have created fear and uncertainty among families and communities in New York City. While schools have a policy of not permitting non-local law enforcement agents to enter schools, there is still concern about the impact of these raids on migrant children’s attendance and well-being.

FAQs

• What is the current policy on ICE raids in New York City schools?
  NYC Public Schools do not permit non-local law enforcement agents, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, to enter schools – except when absolutely required by law.
• How many migrant children are enrolled in New York City public schools?
  According to the New York Times, the city has enrolled over 40,000 migrant children in New York City public schools since 2022.
• What is the impact of ICE raids on migrant children’s attendance?
  Some schools have reported a drop in migrant children’s attendance, with students being afraid to come to school due to fear of enforcement actions.