The largest U.S. teachers unions have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration, alleging that immigration raids near schools generate fear and student absenteeism.
Announced on September 9, 2025, this legal action responds to the elimination of restrictions that protected sensitive areas such as schools and churches. The reasons and impact of these measures are detailed below.
School raids generate fear
The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers charge that ICE detentions near schools have increased anxiety among students and families.
In Oregon, masked officers smashed a car window in the parking lot of a day care center, arresting a father in front of young children, according to the AP.
This incident, which occurred in April, led to the temporary closure of the school, with teachers using music to calm the students.
Change in immigration policies
For its part, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) eliminated a 2021 memorandum in January 2025 that restricted ICE operations in “sensitive locations” such as schools, churches, and hospitals.
The new guideline, according to a DHS statement, allows agents to use “common sense” in these areas.
Undersecretary Tricia McLaughlin affirmed that these measures seek to capture “criminals” without limiting agents, although she denies direct raids on schools.
Impact on educational communities
Consequently, fear has led to a marked decrease in school attendance.
In Los Angeles, a 15-year-old with disabilities was handcuffed near a high school in a case of “mistaken identity,” according to Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.
In Denver, attendance dropped to 66% in some schools after nearby raids, according to Chalkbeat.
Teachers in Pennsylvania and Virginia report that students have stopped attending for fear of arrest.
Educator testimonials
On the other hand, teachers describe a climate of tension.
A speech therapist in California said that immigrant parents avoid enrolling their children in special education for fear of sharing personal data, according to El País.
In Texas, an English teacher reported a drastic drop in enrollment in her classes.
“Classrooms must be safe places to learn,” said Randi Weingarten, AFT president, in a statement.
Lawsuit against the Trump administration
Nevertheless, the lawsuit, filed in federal court in Eugene, Oregon, argues that the raids violate the Administrative Procedure Act because they are “arbitrary and capricious”.
It also joins a previous action in April, initiated by an agricultural union and a group of churches, criticizing arrests at places of worship as infringing on religious freedom, according to Univision.
In Maryland, another similar lawsuit was filed in January.
Resilience of schools
In addition, school districts such as Denver and Los Angeles have taken action.
Denver sued DHS in February, alleging damages for low attendance following raids on nearby apartment complexes, according to Colorado Community Media.
In Los Angeles, Superintendent Carvalho asked ICE not to operate within a two-block radius of schools.
Chicago and Portland have reaffirmed their status as “sanctuary schools,” limiting cooperation with ICE.
Legal and social consequences
For their part, the raids have generated criticism for their impact on vulnerable communities.
In New York, the Department of Education distributed pamphlets with advice such as “don’t open the door” to ICE agents, according to El País.
Organizations such as ImmSchools report a 30% increase in inquiries from schools seeking training to protect undocumented students, who represent 15% of the school population in districts such as Dallas.
Community resources
For information on immigration rights, contact the ACLU at 1-212-607-3300 or visit ice.gov for ICE policies.
Organizations such as ImmSchools (1-888-351-0160) offer resources for families and educators.
As ICE raids continue to generate controversy, school communities are seeking to protect their students from these immigration policies.
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
