Arkansas
A high-level overview of immigration enforcement activity, school protection policies, and resources for families and educators in Arkansas.
Overview
State context
Arkansas has no state law protecting schools from immigration enforcement. The state has seen significant growth in its Latino immigrant population, particularly in Northwest Arkansas (Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers) tied to the poultry industry and Walmart supply chain. The state legislature has taken a hostile posture toward sanctuary policies.
ICE activity
ICE is active in Arkansas, particularly in Northwest Arkansas and in communities tied to agricultural processing. Worksite enforcement operations have affected families with school-age children.
School policies
No statewide or widely adopted district-level school protection policies. The Springdale School District serves one of the largest proportions of English Language Learner students in the South but operates without formal immigration enforcement protocols.
Notes for advocates
Northwest Arkansas has a uniquely large and established Latino immigrant community relative to the state's overall demographics. Local advocacy organizations have grown significantly. Schools in Springdale and Rogers serve large numbers of children from mixed-status families.
Is your district protected?
Find out whether your school district has a warrant-based policy in place, and what you can do if it doesn't.