HISD loses nearly 4,000 immigrant students amid ICE crackdown

Families fear coming to school, leading to enrollment declines that could cost district millions

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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HISD's immigrant student population fell by 22% this school year, the first decline since COVID, as families stay home out of fear of ICE enforcement. Thousands of students are cutting themselves off from education and future opportunities, with advocates warning of long-term impacts on the local economy and community. The district has already had to consolidate a school dedicated to newcomers due to plummeting enrollment.

Why it matters

The steep drop in immigrant students at HISD highlights the chilling effect of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, which have made schools feel unsafe for many families. This could lead to funding cuts, population declines, and a weaker economy for Houston in the long run as students are forced out of the education system.

The details

HISD's immigrant student enrollment has plummeted by nearly 4,000 this school year, with the district's overall enrollment dropping by 8,000 students. Advocates say families are keeping their children home out of fear of ICE detention, disrupting their education and future prospects. The district has already had to consolidate one school dedicated to newcomers due to the enrollment decline, and sports teams have had to drop divisions. Experts warn the impacts could be felt for decades, creating a permanent underclass of undereducated residents.

  • On December 16, HISD soccer team captain Mauro Yosueth Henriquez was detained by ICE along with his father.
  • In September, DHS stated that ICE agents can use discretion to enter school grounds if warranted, despite earlier guidance to avoid protected areas.
  • In July, President Trump signed legislation that pumped billions into immigration enforcement, leading to a surge in ICE activity in the Houston area.

The players

Mauro Yosueth Henriquez

An 18-year-old senior at HISD's Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center who was detained by ICE along with his father.

Miguel Gusart

The high school soccer coach at Sam Houston who had to inform the team that their captain, Mauro Yosueth Henriquez, had been detained by ICE.

Angel Orellana

A 17-year-old senior at Sam Houston who says students now "fear coming to school" due to the ICE crackdown.

Paige Duggins-Clay

The chief legal analyst at the Intercultural Development Research Association, who says the policy shift allowing ICE agents in schools has created a "chilling effect" where schools no longer feel safe.

Mike Miles

The state-appointed superintendent of HISD, who attributed much of the district's enrollment declines to increased immigration enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“We fear coming to school. We can't go buy groceries. We don't feel free to be on the street any more, and that's really sad ... We should be able to play with our friends and not be detained in prisons like monsters.”

— Angel Orellana, 17-year-old senior (Houston Chronicle)

“If we know that these kids are not going to have legitimate access to college or career credentials, much less an actual job in the future, we're basically creating a permanent underclass of people.”

— Jaime Puente, Director of economic opportunity, Every Texan (Houston Chronicle)

“We want him to come back. We're a family and we talk about him all the time. I love him.”

— Lionel Salinas, Soccer team co-captain (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in Mauro Yosueth Henriquez's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies on immigrant students and their families in Houston, cutting off access to education and creating long-term challenges for the local community and economy.