Immigrant students skip school amid fears of ICE raids: Tri-State attendance drops 50%

As fears of increased immigration raids sweep across the nation, teachers across the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana Tri-State area are witnessing a significant decline in school attendance, with nearly 50% of immigrant students absent. Educators report that many families are choosing to keep their children at home, fearing potential deportations amid a nationwide immigration crackdown announced over the weekend.
Fear of deportation strikes at the heart of education
Teachers have expressed concern over the emotional toll this uncertainty is taking on their students. Kendra Adamson, a teacher at Aiken New Tech High School, shared that many of her students were visibly anxious about their safety. "In multiple classes, I am missing half of my students, many of whom have said specifically that they're scared to come to school because of the potential of those raids," Adamson told WCPO 9 News. "Our students are currently living in fear that they will be deported."
The ripple effect of this anxiety has caused a significant disruption in the classroom. Other educators, including Scott Melton, a retired Kentucky teacher, described heartbreaking situations where students expressed their worries about being taken away by immigration authorities. "I know teachers, they love their kids and they are nervous about their kids and they want to provide the best opportunity possible," Melton quoted by WCPO 9 News, acknowledging the difficulty teachers face in reassuring students in such uncertain times.
Districts assure immigrant families of protection
In response to growing concerns, several school districts in the Tri-State area, including Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), Middletown City Schools, and Boone County Schools, have issued statements to reassure immigrant families. Cincinnati Public Schools emphasized its commitment to providing a safe environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status. According to a statement from CPS, "CPS does not request or maintain records related to a student’s immigration status. CPS does not permit law enforcement activities, including immigration enforcement, on school property or during school hours without proper legal authorization. Student records are protected by law and will not be disclosed without a court order or subpoena."
Boone County Schools echoed this sentiment, stating that they are committed to maintaining a supportive environment for all students, as well. The district’s statement highlighted that staff members adhere to policies that protect student privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). "District staff members continue to abide by Board Policies and Procedures governing visitors to the schools, which include law enforcement and other governmental officials," Boone County Schools clarified.
An ongoing struggle
Despite these reassurances, the emotional toll on students and teachers remains high. As reported by WCPO 9 News, many teachers are still grappling with how to provide the stability and clarity their students need. "It breaks my heart thinking about that," said Melton, recounting a situation where a newly arrived student asked, "Are they going to deport me today?" The uncertainty over what lies ahead continues to challenge both educators and families, further deepening the fear and anxiety felt by immigrant students in the Tri-State area.