In New York, pre‑school anxiety: Migrant families uneasy!

Shortly before the start of the new school year in New York, immigrant families’ focus is not on lessons and school preparations this time, but on their children’s safety. Immigrant families, educators, and activists called for the protection of immigrant students’ rights in schools and for the continuation of measures against possible immigration operations.

A group that gathered in front of the Tweed Courthouse, where the New York City Department of Education is located, led by the New York Immigration Coalition and Hands Off NYC Families, drew attention to the anxieties experienced by immigrant families before the new school year.

The action brought to the fore the educational rights of immigrant students, the rights of families, and the obligations of schools in the face of possible ICE operations.

Why Are Immigrant Families Worried?

At the core of immigrant families’ concerns is the federal“protected areas”It is found that he has removed his policy.

In addition, it is said that the operations of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have intensified nationwide. In July, ICE detained about 50,000 people, the highest monthly figure in Trump's second presidential term, was reported.

In New York, the detention of some students and parents during the 2025 school year also caused serious concern among immigrant families, even though the operations did not take place directly within schools.

Can ICE Enter Schools Directly?

According to the current protocol applied in New York City public schools, ICE officers are not allowed to enter schools directly unless there is a legal obligation.

If an ICE officer comes to a school, the principal is called and the officer is kept outside. In this process, the legal department of New York City Public Schools is consulted, and it is assessed whether the officer has a valid court order signed by a judge.

City state schools also do not monitor the immigration status of students or their families. Regardless of immigration status, children’s right to attend state schools is protected.

New Protective Measure from the Mamdani Administration

With the mayoral decree No. 13 signed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani in February, it is stated that existing protections in city facilities against immigration practices have been strengthened.

According to the regulation, federal immigration officers are prohibited from entering the closed sections of schools, hospitals, shelters, and other municipal facilities without a valid judicial order.

While the Mamdani administration signals it will not assist federal civil immigration operations, questions linger among immigrant families ahead of the new school year.

With schools reopening, families, educators, and activists debate whether the measures taken are sufficient. For immigrant families, the most critical question is: Will they truly feel safe when sending their children to school?