Immigrant Students in Maine Stay Home as ICE Operation Intensifies

Widespread absences reported at schools across the state as families fear immigration enforcement actions

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:39am

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In the wake of a federal immigration crackdown in Maine, thousands of immigrant students have been absent from public schools across the state, with some districts reporting up to 30% of their students missing class. Fearful families are keeping children home to avoid encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who have been conducting operations in cities like Portland and Lewiston. The absences are impacting access to essential services like meals, counseling, and other support for vulnerable students.

Why it matters

The surge in ICE activity in Maine is having a significant impact on the state's immigrant communities, with families living in fear and students missing critical educational and social services. The situation highlights the broader challenges faced by immigrant populations in the U.S. and the ripple effects that aggressive immigration enforcement can have on communities.

The details

Federal immigration authorities say they are targeting "criminal illegal aliens" in Maine, but some of those arrested reportedly have no criminal records. In Portland, a city with a large immigrant population, federal agents have been stopping cars, detaining motorists, and staking out apartment buildings. This has led to widespread panic, with many immigrant families keeping their children home from school. At some schools, up to 30% of students were absent last week, with higher rates among certain groups like Hispanic, Latino, and Black students.

  • The federal immigration crackdown in Maine began last week.
  • As of Monday, more than 200 people had been arrested in the operation.
  • On Thursday, some elementary school students in Portland expressed anxiety about the "ICE people" during recess.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is leading the crackdown in Maine.

Shandy Priddy

A 48-year-old delivery driver in Portland who helped drive a panicked immigrant mother and her son to school.

Sarah Lentz

The chair of the Portland Board of Public Education, who reported high absentee rates among certain student groups.

Nsiona Nguizani

A 42-year-old immigrant from Angola and an organizer with Portland Empowered, a nonprofit that helps immigrant children adjust to American schools.

Dr. Cheryl Blank

A pediatrician in Portland who is concerned about missed medical appointments and screenings among immigrant families.

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What they’re saying

“She looked petrified, like she did not want to step out of that corridor.”

— Shandy Priddy, Delivery driver

“We have almost 500 students who are housing insecure. If kids are not in school, their basic needs are challenged.”

— Sarah Lentz, Chair of the Portland Board of Public Education

“The gap is so big, and we cannot afford to stay home while schools keep going.”

— Nsiona Nguizani, Immigrant organizer

“Kids are already missing appointments, especially newborns. If they're not going to the doctor, there's a chance you're missing something that you could potentially catch.”

— Dr. Cheryl Blank, Pediatrician

What’s next

School officials in Portland are planning to discuss options for limited remote learning at a meeting on Tuesday to address the high absentee rates among immigrant students.

The takeaway

The federal immigration crackdown in Maine is having a devastating impact on immigrant communities, with families living in fear and students missing critical educational and social services. This situation highlights the broader challenges faced by immigrant populations in the U.S. and the need for compassionate, community-based solutions that address the root causes of these issues.