Detroit Schools Chief Addresses Student Absenteeism Amid ICE Concerns

Superintendent Nikolai Vitti cites immigration enforcement activity as a factor deterring some students from attending classes.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:47pm

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Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti highlighted student attendance as the district's greatest challenge during his State of the Schools address, citing recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity as a factor deterring some students from attending classes. Vitti emphasized the critical connection between attendance and academic success, noting that students who miss 18 or fewer days are significantly more likely to perform well academically.

Why it matters

Chronic absenteeism is a major issue facing Detroit's public schools, with families becoming increasingly cautious about their daily routines, including walking children to school, due to concerns over immigration enforcement activity in the area. This is negatively impacting student attendance and academic performance.

The details

Vitti stated that when students miss 18 or fewer days, they are three to five times more likely to be at or above grade level on state tests and college-ready on the SAT. Recent ICE activity in Detroit has created additional barriers to school attendance, as families are second-guessing their daily routines and monitoring their neighborhoods more closely. The district has established resource centers to support families and address chronic absenteeism.

  • Vitti delivered his State of the Schools address on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Nikolai Vitti

The superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Aliya Moore

A parent whose daughter attends Detroit public schools and who grew up in southwest Detroit.

Melinda Mo'Nae Rawls

A parent who praised the district's efforts to provide resources to help parents and engage students.

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What they’re saying

“If I had to start to list some of our greatest challenges, it would be student attendance.”

— Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District (WXYZ)

“When our students miss 18 or fewer days, they are three to five times more likely to be at or above grade level at MSTEP and to be college ready on the SAT.”

— Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District (WXYZ)

“I just can't possibly imagine one of my classmates being scared or being fearful for their family and themselves.”

— Aliya Moore, Parent, Detroit public schools (WXYZ)

“Since he is providing a lot of resources to help these parents, that also helps engage the children and also encourage them to come to school and be the best that they can be.”

— Melinda Mo'Nae Rawls, Parent (WXYZ)

What’s next

The district plans to continue its efforts to address chronic absenteeism, including through the resource centers established to support families.

The takeaway

Chronic absenteeism is a major challenge for Detroit's public schools, exacerbated by concerns over immigration enforcement activity in the area. The district is working to provide resources and support to families to encourage student attendance and academic success.