Trump’s ICE Cracking Down On Schools

Illegal Immigration Crackdown Sparks Absenteeism Crisis in Democrat-Run School Districts

President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on border enforcement is exposing a growing problem in America’s public schools: rising absenteeism rates in areas packed with illegal immigrants. As ICE operations increase, many districts—especially in liberal states like California and New York—are reporting higher numbers of missing students.

But experts say the real issue isn’t the immigration crackdown—it’s a school system that has become too dependent on non-citizen populations while failing to uphold academic standards and discipline.

ICE Raids Linked to Absenteeism in Sanctuary Cities

A recent study from Stanford University found a 22% increase in student absences across five California school districts during January and February—just as ICE enforcement ramped up under President Trump. In Latino-majority schools, the numbers were even higher:

• 30% increase in pre-K absences
• 27% in elementary grades
• 17% in middle school
• 8% in high school

Liberal educators are blaming the enforcement efforts, but many American parents and taxpayers see a different picture: a public school system more concerned about shielding illegal immigrants than educating citizens.

Educators Prioritize Politics Over Performance

Left-leaning education groups like ImmSchools are pushing schools to reassure undocumented families that their children won’t be targeted. But there’s no evidence ICE is raiding schools—and if they did, a judicial warrant would be required.

Tara Thomas of the School Superintendents Association says schools must be “explicit” in reassuring immigrant families. But many conservatives argue the focus should be on enforcing immigration law, not bending over backward for those who broke it.

Transportation Concerns Raise More Questions

Activists also complain that illegal immigrant parents are too afraid to drive their kids to school. “Families are minimizing exposure by keeping children home,” said ImmSchools CEO Viridiana Carrizales. But critics note that fear of legal consequences is not a policy failure—it’s a deterrent.

Chronic Absenteeism Was Already a Crisis Before Trump

The truth is, public schools have struggled with attendance for years—even before President Trump’s ICE policies. According to FutureEd, chronic absenteeism hit:

• 28% in 2021-22
• 25% in 2022-23
• 23% in 2023-24

Academic failure, falling graduation rates, and reduced funding all followed. Now, with the added pressure of immigration enforcement, schools are again shifting blame rather than accepting responsibility.

Time to Put American Students First

Analyst Carl Felton of EdTrust urges schools to “build trust” with families—yet many schools still avoid taking a stand. “Districts are losing families because they won’t speak out,” said Carrizales. But to many Americans, that’s not a loss—it’s a long-overdue correction.

President Trump’s immigration crackdown is working. It’s forcing sanctuary cities and left-leaning districts to confront the real cost of lawlessness, and that includes the impact on public education.

It’s time to refocus schools on their primary mission: teaching American students, not sheltering those who broke the law.