In these unprecedented times, where ICE, DEA, FBI, and other federal agencies roam our streets targeting our Black and Brown neighbors, parents, and caregivers are scared for themselves, their children, and their communities. Schools should be spaces where children feel safe and free to express themselves without the fear of federal agents taking them or their families. As parents, educators, community members, and allies, we have a shared responsibility to build classrooms that are truly welcoming for all students.

As of 2023, there are an estimated 5 million children in the U.S. with at least one undocumented family member¹.  A 2025 study by Stanford University shows a 22% decrease in attendance by students in California during the time of increased ICE presence². In Chicago, where there has been a large increase in the number of ICE agents, schools are reporting an almost 2% decrease in student attendance over the past few months³.  The data proves that the presence of federal agents in our communities is distrupting the education of our children. 

On September 25, MomsRising partnered with Community Change, Move On, the National Education Association, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance for “Kids Belong in Classrooms,” a virtual town hall to hear from advocates, parents, and educators from across the country, share tools, and explore ways to build solidarity and foster safe learning environments.

As part of the event, MomsRising provided educational and community resources: 

• Community Protection & Mutual Aid Toolkit: Learn quiet strategies for safety, including coded language systems, Safety planning, and school observation logs in both English and Spanish.  

• Defining & Disrupting Hostile Environments: Understanding the key features of hostile school climates and practical ways to counter them. (English)

• National Mutual Aid Resource List: A list of local and national mutual aid and immigrant support organizations and resources in both English and Spanish.

• Supporting Immigrant Students and Families in Hostile Environments Virtual Teach-In Video. (English)

[1] https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/immigration-enforcement-harms-students-schools/ 

[2] [3] https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5588324-chicago-dhs-ice-raids-school-attendance/