Kids across the country are increasingly fearful following Donald Trump’s election and recent immigration policies. “They come up and say, ‘What’s going to happen, teacher?’” said Elma Alvarez, an instructional specialist in Tucson, Arizona. Anxiety spiked after a recent directive allowed immigration agents to make arrests at schools, previously considered “sensitive areas.”
Tensions escalated when federal agents at a Chicago school were mistaken for ICE officers, causing widespread panic. “The incident reflects the fear and anxiety that is present in our city right now,” said Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez.
For many, fear of deportation isn’t new, but recent policy shifts have heightened concerns. ICE previously avoided schools, churches, and hospitals, but last week, the Department of Homeland Security reversed that stance. “This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens,” said a DHS spokesperson. While the administration claims it’s targeting criminals, the policy has unsettled immigrant communities, especially mixed-status families. “There’s just a generalized sense of fear and confusion,” said Abigail L’Esperance of the East Bay Community Law Center.
For children, the fear extends beyond school. Many worry about whether their parents will be home at the end of the day. “The children are saying to their mothers, ‘I don’t want you to be deported, I don’t want to be separated from you,’” said Evelyn Aleman, founder of Our Voice: Communities for Quality Education. Aleman, who was deported as a child, recalled, “Here we are, 55 years later, still dealing with family separation. The trauma is real and it never goes away.”
Teachers say students struggle to focus, living in “survival mode.” Others are too scared to leave home. “They’ve already been through so much,” Alvarez said, citing school shootings, the pandemic, and wildfires. Schools are responding by reaffirming students’ rights and restricting ICE’s access. “Call your local legislative representative,” Alvarez urged. “These kids are loving kids. They’re intelligent. They care about their community. They love their families. They’re not here to hurt anyone. They’re here to be a child.”
In these uncertain times, the KYRC app’s expanded features offer a lifeline to immigrant communities, empowering families with critical resources and guidance. Available in English and Spanish, this essential tool helps demystify legal rights and best practices, offering clarity, protection and peace of mind when it’s needed most.
Link: Vox
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