The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on September 9, 2025 denied rumors of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on schools. The statement responds to concerns about school attendance in the wake of intensified immigration raids.
Below, we explore the DHS clarifications and the context of the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Debunking rumors of raids
DHS stated that ICE does not conduct raids or make arrests of children in schools.
Undersecretary Tricia McLaughlin denounced the media for creating a “climate of fear” by broadcasting stories of students avoiding classes for fear of raids.
According to an official statement, ICE does not target schools, but could act in exceptional cases, such as the presence of a “dangerous offender” or a “sexual predator” employed at an educational institution.
Changes in ICE policies
For its part, the Trump administration repealed a 2011 directive in January 2025 that limited arrests in “sensitive locations” such as schools, churches and hospitals.
Then-Acting Secretary Benjamin Huffman noted that this measure allows ICE to capture “criminal aliens” without restrictions.
However, McLaughlin clarified that any action in schools requires approval from a secondary supervisor and would be “extremely rare.” This policy has generated concern in migrant communities.
Impact on schools
Nevertheless, reports indicate a decrease in school attendance, especially in districts with high migrant populations.
In Los Angeles, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho assured that schools are “safe places” and will not allow arrests without warrants.
In New York, attendance fell 3% in schools with undocumented students, according to the Department of Education.
Parents and educators fear the new ICE rules will intimidate families, affecting the education of some 600,000 students without legal status, according to Pew Research.
Community response
As a result, school districts have implemented measures to protect students.
Chicago, for example, prohibits ICE from entering schools without a warrant, according to a letter sent to families.
In California, State Senator Catherine Blakespear criticized arrests near schools, such as one that occurred 200 yards from Park Dale Elementary in August.
Organizations such as the ACLU have distributed “know your rights” cards to inform students and parents on how to act in the face of possible ICE encounters.
Context of immigration raids
On the other hand, the Trump administration has stepped up deportations, with ICE reporting 1,016 arrests on September 4, of which 373 were of people with criminal records.
The White House, through spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, denied that children are being targeted, emphasizing that the raids are focused on “violent criminals.”
However, cases such as that of an Ecuadorian mother deported with her 6-year-old daughter in New York have generated criticism from figures such as Governor Kathy Hochul, who called these actions “cruel”.
Position of the Trump administration
In addition, President Donald Trump has defended the raids as part of his 2024 campaign promise to execute the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.
In a message on Truth Social, he stated that “criminals will not hide in our schools.”
DHS also reported a 1,000% increase in assaults against ICE agents, attributing it to “inflammatory rhetoric” from local media and politicians critical of immigration operations.
Legal concerns
For its part, the revocation of restrictions in sensitive locations has generated legal debates.
The ACLU filed a motion in Los Angeles to demand proof that ICE is complying with a court order prohibiting racial profiling.
Meanwhile, schools in Denver and Chicago have established protocols for dealing with possible ICE visits, prioritizing students’ rights under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Community resources
For information on immigration rights, contact the ACLU at 1-212-549-2500.
Organizations such as HIAS (1-800-442-7472) offer legal support to migrant families.
As the raids continue, schools and communities seek to protect students in a climate of uncertainty.
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
