The claims on this site are grounded in peer-reviewed research, government surveys, and published reports. The key sources are organized below by topic.
A 2025 Stanford study using attendance data from five California school districts found that recent immigration raids caused a 22% increase in daily student absences, with especially large effects among younger students.
A Stanford working paper on local ICE enforcement partnerships found that they reduced Hispanic student enrollment by nearly 10% within two years, with the largest effects among elementary-age students.
A national survey of public high school principals found that 63.8% said students from immigrant families had missed school due to immigration-related fear or rhetoric, 70.4% reported heightened student worry about family safety, 35.6% reported immigration-related bullying, and 77.6% had created a response plan for visits from federal agents.
Research from the Urban Institute has documented that approximately 5 million children in the United States live with at least one undocumented family member, illustrating the scale of communities affected by immigration enforcement policy.
Research on California school districts that adopted safe-zone policies found protective effects for academic outcomes, graduation rates, and school climate for students from immigrant families compared to similar districts without those policies.
Surveys of school administrators consistently show majority support for clear immigration-enforcement procedures, with more than 80% saying such procedures help reassure families and maintain school attendance.
The American Civil Liberties Union provides comprehensive know-your-rights guides for immigrants and for encounters with law enforcement, including what to do if ICE comes to your home, school, or workplace.
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center provides practical tools including "Red Cards" that explain legal rights in encounters with immigration officers, as well as policy guidance for institutions.
The National Immigration Law Center provides legal analysis and policy advocacy on immigration enforcement, including guidance on school policies and student rights.
The U.S. Supreme Court held in Plyler v. Doe that states cannot deny children access to public education based on immigration status. All children have a constitutional right to public schooling regardless of documentation.
The Supreme Court affirmed in Tinker v. Des Moines that students do not "shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate." Students retain First Amendment speech protections in schools, subject to limitations that prevent substantial disruption.
Several national organizations track policy changes, support school leaders, and provide advocacy tools for communities working to advance protective school environments.
Research consistently shows that clear school procedures reduce fear, support attendance, and help schools stay focused on education.