News Summary
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs criticized the increased ICE presence near schools, expressing concerns about the impact on mixed-status families as the school year begins. The heightened activity raises fears among parents and educators regarding children’s safety. Incidents involving ICE have been reported, prompting anxiety within the Roosevelt School District. Governor Hobbs vowed that Arizona would not participate in federal detention practices, contrasting the state with Florida’s controversial approach. Experts warn that this could lead to absenteeism and hinder academic performance for affected students, highlighting the need for protective measures.
Phoenix, Arizona — Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations occurring near schools in the Valley, expressing serious concerns about the impact these activities have on families, particularly those with mixed immigration status. The recent heightened ICE presence has led to fears among parents and advocates regarding the safety and well-being of children as the new school year begins.
Last Tuesday, an incident was reported where an ICE agent was seen escorting a child to an elementary school in south Phoenix after the child’s guardian was taken into custody. This incident is representative of a disturbing trend, as the People First Project revealed approximately 40 documented cases of ICE interactions around schools in just one week, raising alarm among educators and families.
Governor Hobbs emphasized that Arizona will not partake in the federal detention business, contrasting the state with Florida, which has implemented a controversial state-run detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Hobbs underscored the trauma inflicted on children who witness such apprehensions, questioning how detaining parents in proximity to schools ensures their safety. The governor expressed concern that these practices may lead children to walk to school alone or stay home, thereby increasing their risk and anxiety about attending school.
Escalating Concerns for Families
The Roosevelt School District acknowledged that it is monitoring the increased ICE activity near schools but clarified that there has been no direct communication with the agency. Parents within the district have voiced their anxieties regarding the implications of ICE’s actions, asserting that schools should serve as safe havens for children. Many families of mixed immigration status are particularly distressed as these operations unfolded just on the second day of the school year, amplifying their fears as they attempt to facilitate a stable educational environment for their children.
Changes in Federal Policy Heighten Risks
The current climate surrounding ICE operations has been exacerbated by changes in policy under the previous administration, where protections that identified schools and churches as sensitive locations were rescinded. This shift has permitted ICE to carry out enforcement actions in areas traditionally regarded as safe for children. Observers have summarized that the absence of such protective guidelines has effectively created a backdrop conducive to intimidation within immigrant communities, with immigration attorneys stressing that these tactics intend to instill fear and compliance.
Impact on Attendance and Academic Performance
Experts have warned that increased ICE activity might lead to higher rates of absenteeism among students, as seen in other states like California, Washington, and Illinois. Teachers’ unions have also raised concerns about the potential negative consequences of such enforcement actions, warning that fear of deportation could result in chronic absenteeism that further hinders academic performance.
Advocates for immigrant communities are actively pushing for strategies to address barriers to attendance and support families facing these insecurities. The ongoing educational challenges are compounded by the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to psychological stress for students and their families as they navigate school in uncertain conditions.
State Stance on Federal Cooperation
While it remains unclear how these federal operations will evolve, Governor Hobbs reaffirmed that Arizona has no plans to engage in arrangements similar to Florida’s concerning ICE operations. The state recently divested from a former prison facility in Marana, citing underutilization and financial burdens to taxpayers, reinforcing the commitment to avoiding participation in federal detention practices.
As the school year progresses, communities and schools are urged to adopt measures to mitigate the fear surrounding ICE actions. Addressing the compounded difficulties during this critical time for students remains imperative to ensuring every child can receive a safe, uninterrupted education.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- ABC15
- Google Search: ICE schools Arizona
- KTAR News
- Google Scholar: Impact of ICE on School Attendance
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- AZ Family
- Google News: Arizona ICE Activity
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
