Schools across Chicago are grappling with rising fears among immigrant families due to increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, leading to significant shifts in student attendance. With federal agents ramping up targeted enforcement, educators are stepping up to alleviate concerns and create safe environments for students regardless of their immigration status.
On Chicago’s north side, for example, one dedicated Spanish-speaking teacher reached out to Nathy, a nervous migrant mother, urging her to send her son back to school after he had stayed home out of fear of immigration raids. "He sent me an email with the rights we have and how they protect children at school," Nathy relayed. Indeed, these teacher-led outreach efforts highlight the community's need for reassurance amid their anxieties.
Adding to the challenges, on the southwest side of the city, Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy's principal, Marlon Henriquez, shared his personal story of immigration to comfort the families who attend the school. Having immigrated from El Salvador and faced his own struggles with immigration status, he emphasizes, "I’m with them, I support them, and I understand how difficult this can be." His empathy resonates deeply with parents at Gunsaulus, where almost half the students were English language learners last year.
Recognition of immigrant rights has become central to these schools’ missions. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez emphasized, "School is where every child in our city belongs regardless of their immigration status, and we will do everything in our power to protect them..." Martinez's commitment came during one of several meetings focusing on how to keep school environments secure and inclusive for everyone.
The heightened enforcement actions have resulted in decreased attendance; many students are hesitant to return to classrooms, forced to reckon with the fears of deportation. Schools have responded by sharing their emergency plans with families, ensuring them procedures are in place should Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents show up. This is particularly important considering reports from Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, indicating at least 100 arrests made recently throughout the city and suburbs.
High school principal Juan Carlos Ocon of Benito Juarez High School candidly addressed parents about potential deportation concerns through various messages and emphasized, "I also understand there is a lot of fear and anxiety among our families." He forewarned students it was acceptable to stay home if they felt unsafe, demonstrating the principal's commitment to the well-being of his students.
Meanwhile, CPS has organized extensive training sessions for staff and families on their rights and best practices should immigration enforcement come near their educational institutions. District leaders are also collaborating with community groups to mitigate misinformation, as unverified reports can spark unnecessary panic.
Aided by teachers, community organizers, and local support networks, efforts to safeguard students have taken on many forms. Aidé Acosta, chief college officer for the Noble charter school network, confirmed the network is implementing individualized accommodations for students influenced by the current anxiety around immigration issues, especially as finals are currently underway.
There are mixed feelings among students returning to school with the recent influx of false reports claiming ICE activity. This has reopened wounds for families; one parent reported her children's terrors stem from hearing unexpected knocks at their doors—the dread of ICE being just outside. Organizations like Brighton Park Neighborhood Council work tirelessly to provide Know Your Rights training, aiming to empower young immigrants and bolster their confidence to advocate for themselves during these stressful times.
Community stories, like Nathy’s, often merge with broader narratives about the adversities of immigrant life. Despite her recent schooling fears, she decided to send her son back. "Before I felt calm," she stated. "Now it’s a nightmare to live here." The normalization of such fears is telling, but as educators persistently communicate safety and rights, many believe there is hope for future students.
The immediate actions taken by schools show responsiveness to the growing stresses within immigrant communities, indicating schools are not just centers of education but also places of refuge and advocacy against the backdrop of ominous immigration policies. Accomplishing the ultimate goal of education means addressing these fears, cultivating resilience, and enabling students to thrive irrespective of their circumstances.
With efforts increasing among Chicago’s schools to both combat misinformation and support families, the narrative of increased enforcement and its community impact remains pivotal. The focus on protecting students and ensuring their right to education, regardless of their immigration status, reflects a broader movement toward inclusivity and safety within learning environments.
Through these combined initiatives—teacher outreach, administrative transparency, and community support—the resilience of Chicago's immigrant families is being supported amid the challenges posed by changing immigration policies.