What Do ICE Raids Teach Kids?

July 11, 2025

President Trump's administration has reinstated ICE raids in sensitive locations like schools and churches, with recent military-style operations in Los Angeles causing significant distress among immigrant communities. Data shows that one in ten Black Americans is an immigrant, and these enforcement actions are creating a climate of fear preventing many immigrant students from attending school or educational activities. Education advocates like Dr. Christopher Nellum from Ed-Trust warn that these raids traumatize students and damage educational institutions, with studies showing increased anxiety, depression, and school disengagement among affected students.

Who is affected

Immigrant students and their families
Black immigrant students who face compounded challenges due to racial discrimination
Students from diverse or mixed immigration status families
Educators and educational institutions
Communities with large immigrant populations (Los Angeles, with planned expansion to New York City and Chicago)

What action is being taken

ICE is conducting military-style raids in California, particularly in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Unified School District is creating "safety zones" on campuses, relocating summer school sites, and offering virtual options
EdTrust-West is pushing state lawmakers to pass legislation restricting federal agents' access to schools and student data
Education advocates are calling for expanded access to legal, housing, and mental health support

Why it matters

Students are afraid to attend school, summer programs, and even graduation ceremonies
Studies show affected students experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, and school disengagement
Black immigrant students face additional challenges from racial bullying, harassment, and profiling
The educational covenant of providing a safe environment for children to learn and grow is being disrupted
Families are being separated and communities destabilized
The enforcement actions in Los Angeles may signal similar operations in other cities nationwide

What's next

The Trump administration plans to expand enforcement into other cities with large immigrant populations, such as New York City and Chicago
EdTrust-West is working to pass legislation that would restrict federal agents' access to schools and student data
Education advocates are calling for expanded support services including legal, housing, and mental health resources

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint