A Community in Fear
In the rolling hills and small towns of Upstate New York, schools have always been a cornerstone of community life. They are places where children can dream, learn, and grow. But for many immigrant families, this sense of safety has been replaced by fear. The threat of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has cast a long shadow over these communities, disrupting education, fracturing families, and leaving children and parents alike in a state of constant anxiety.
As someone who has seen friends and neighbors face the devastating consequences of these policies, I know firsthand how deeply they affect not just individuals but entire communities. This blog explores the far-reaching effects of ICE raids on schools in Upstate New York, the resilience of those impacted, and what we can do to help.
The Fear That Keeps Kids Out of School
Attendance Drops Amid Deportation Fears
For immigrant families, the fear of deportation doesn’t stop at the school gates. In districts like Kingston, New York, school officials have reported significant drops in attendance, particularly among students from immigrant families. Parents, terrified that ICE agents might target schools, are keeping their children home—even if it means sacrificing their education.
This fear is not unfounded. In 2025, the Trump administration lifted restrictions on ICE raids in “sensitive locations” like schools and places of worship. While ICE agents are still required to have judicial warrants to enter school grounds, the mere possibility of enforcement has created a climate of fear that is difficult to dispel.
Statistics paint a stark picture. New York State is home to approximately 650,000 undocumented immigrants, many of whom live in Upstate communities. During periods of heightened ICE activity, some districts have seen attendance rates drop by as much as 15%. This disruption not only affects the students who stay home but also their classmates and teachers, who must navigate the emotional and academic fallout.
The Emotional Toll on Students and Families
Toxic Stress and Mental Health Challenges
The impact of ICE raids goes far beyond missed school days. For children, the fear of losing a parent to deportation can be deeply traumatic. Public health experts warn that this kind of chronic stress—often referred to as “toxic stress”—can have long-term effects on a child’s mental and physical health. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, and even physical ailments like headaches and stomachaches.
One mother in Albany shared her story anonymously: “My son used to love going to school. Now, every morning, he asks me if I’ll still be here when he gets home. How do I answer that? How do I tell him everything will be okay when I don’t know if it will?”
Parents, too, are living in a state of constant vigilance. Many avoid attending parent-teacher conferences, seeking medical care, or even leaving their homes for fear of encountering ICE agents. This isolation only deepens the challenges faced by immigrant families, cutting them off from the support networks they need to thrive.
How Schools Are Fighting Back
Creating Safe Spaces for Students
Despite the challenges, schools in Upstate New York are stepping up to support their students and families. In Kingston, Superintendent Paul Padalino has made it clear that schools will protect all students, regardless of their immigration status. “Our schools are safe spaces,” he said in a recent statement. “We will not allow ICE agents to enter without proper legal documentation, and we will do everything in our power to support our students and their families.”
Many districts have implemented protocols to handle potential ICE visits, including requiring agents to wait outside and consulting legal counsel before granting access. Schools are also providing resources to families, such as “Know Your Rights” workshops and bilingual outreach programs.
Community Advocacy and Support
Advocacy groups have joined the effort, offering legal assistance and emotional support to affected families. In Albany, a coalition of community organizations recently held a town hall meeting to address concerns about ICE activity and provide families with practical tools to navigate these uncertain times.
These efforts are making a difference. In one Upstate school, teachers created a “comfort corner” for students affected by ICE activity. Stocked with books, art supplies, and cozy seating, the space provides a refuge for children who need a moment to process their emotions. Small acts of kindness like these remind us of the power of community in the face of adversity.
What Can We Do to Help?
As a society, we have a responsibility to protect our children and ensure that they have the opportunity to learn and grow without fear. Here are some actionable steps you can take to support immigrant families and schools:
- Educate Yourself and Others
Learn about the rights of immigrants and the impact of ICE raids on communities. Share this knowledge with your friends, family, and social networks. - Support Local Advocacy Groups
Organizations like the New York Immigration Coalition and local legal aid groups provide critical resources to immigrant families. Consider donating or volunteering your time. - Reach Out to Your Local Schools
Ask how you can help, whether by volunteering, donating supplies, or simply offering a listening ear to students and families in need. - Advocate for Policy Change
Contact your elected officials to express your support for policies that prioritize the well-being of families and communities over punitive enforcement measures.
A Call for Action
The effects of ICE raids on schools in Upstate New York are a stark reminder of the human cost of immigration enforcement. But they are also a call to action—a chance for us to stand in solidarity with our neighbors and to work toward a future where all children can feel safe and supported in their pursuit of education.
Behind every statistic is a story, and behind every story is a person. These are our friends, our neighbors, and our classmates. They deserve our compassion, our support, and our advocacy. Together, we can create a world where no child has to choose between their education and their safety.
