Austin ISD addresses immigration fears
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Austin schools are grappling with how to reassure parents about potential immigration enforcement on campus after the Trump administration reversed a long-standing policy discouraging enforcement in "sensitive" areas.
Why it matters: Federal agents carried out immigration enforcement operations Sunday in San Antonio and Austin, though it's unclear exactly where they took place.
- Still, school officials across the country are sounding the alarm that the mere possibility of immigration enforcement could lead some students to skip school. This would disrupt their education and threaten school funding, which is tied to attendance.
By the numbers: Roughly 1.6 million undocumented immigrants live in Texas, according to the Pew Research Center.
- About 81,000 undocumented people live in Travis County, per 2019 data from the Migration Policy Institute.
Catch up quick: The Trump administration announced last week that it was ending the policy of avoiding arrests at churches, schools, hospitals, funerals, weddings, and public demonstrations.
- "Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest," the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.
- "The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense."
Context: Children in the U.S. have a right to public education regardless of immigration status, meaning schools don't turn back — and in most cases, don't track — whether a student is in the country without authorization.
What they're saying: "Providing a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment is one of our most important responsibilities," Austin ISD superintendent Matias Segura wrote to families on Thursday.
- "All students and their families are a valued part of our Austin ISD community and our diversity strengthens and enriches our school district."
- "We recognize the emotional toll that recent news cycles may be taking on our students, families and staff. For many in our community, these are not just policy discussions, but deeply personal issues that can create uncertainty and fear."
Yes, but: AISD has stayed quiet on whether they will limit cooperation with immigration authorities or reinforce campus safety measures.
Between the lines: The district has developed guidance for staff and families, including answers to questions such as "What is the Austin ISD policy for students who are in crisis due to a parent or guardian being deported or incarcerated?"
The bottom line: "We will be monitoring any legal changes that may affect our student experience and are committed to fostering trust and open communication," Segura wrote. "Our focus remains on our students' academic success, mental health and well-being."