Teachers Describe Immigration Enforcement's Impact on Classrooms

Educators share testimonials on how Trump administration's policies have disrupted learning and frightened families

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In a new court filing, teachers around the country describe how President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown is emptying classrooms and frightening families. Educators detail rumors of immigration raids that scared away students, immigrant parents who stopped sending their children to school, and stories of parents and students being picked up by ICE at school bus stops.

Why it matters

The testimonials are part of a lawsuit challenging a Trump administration policy that opened up schools, houses of worship, and medical facilities to immigration enforcement. The case highlights the growing impact of immigration enforcement on essential community institutions and the disruption it is causing for students and families.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by farmworker and teacher unions, churches, and preschool educators, arguing that the policy was 'arbitrary and capricious.' The Department of Homeland Security previously defended the policy, saying it could prevent schools from becoming refuges for criminals. However, there have been several instances where immigration authorities have pursued or detained people on or near school property.

  • In recent months, immigration enforcement agents have made 'startling incursions' into communities around the country.
  • Shortly after Trump took office, his administration rescinded the long-standing policy barring immigration arrests in schools and other 'protected areas'.
  • In October, ICE agents released tear gas that engulfed a school playground in Chicago during an operation.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States whose immigration crackdown policies are the focus of the lawsuit.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that has conducted enforcement actions near schools and other community institutions under the Trump administration's policies.

Kathryn Anderson

The president of the teachers union in Chelsea, Massachusetts, who says immigration enforcement has been more disruptive to learning than the COVID-19 pandemic.

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What they’re saying

“Right now, kids of all backgrounds are being prevented from going to school because of the extremely real fear that either they or their family members will be separated.”

— Kathryn Anderson, Chelsea, Massachusetts teachers union president (kob.com)

“As an educator … having to help kids move through and exist in that fear (has) been a near impossible task.”

— Kathryn Anderson, Chelsea, Massachusetts teachers union president (kob.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to halt the Trump administration policy as the lawsuit proceeds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the far-reaching impacts of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies, which have disrupted learning, instilled fear in families, and challenged the ability of educators to support their students' needs.