Immigration concerns cited in Des Moines schools' enrollment drop
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Des Moines Public Schools believes part of its recent enrollment decline is tied to immigrant families voluntarily leaving the country to avoid the risk of separation amid immigration enforcement, spokesperson Phil Roeder tells Axios.
Why it matters: DMPS' experience mirrors a national pattern in which districts struggle to separate immigration-related anxiety from other forces reshaping public education.
Catch up quick: DMPS enrollment declined by 677 students from the 2024–2025 school year to this one.
- The district, the largest in Iowa, currently has about 30,160 students — down from just over 33,000 at its peak in the 2017–2018 school year, per district data.
Stunning stat: More than 25% of the district's students are English language learners.
State of play: Recent state changes that allow tax dollars to pay for private school tuition and open enrollment also contribute to the loss, Roeder said.
Reality check: The district doesn't have a way to track how many students have left because of immigration issues.
Yes, but: DMPS officials know there is a correlation based on the experiences of school staff, Roeder said.
Context: The district also recently faced one of the most high-profile immigration cases in recent education history, involving its former superintendent, Ian Roberts.
- Roberts pleaded guilty last week to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship on a federal form and has a sentencing hearing May 29, where he could face prison time and deportation.
What they're saying: Across the metro, the number of students leaving districts due to immigration issues is believed to be relatively low, according to conversations with various educational providers, Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa director Stephanie Moris tells Axios.
The big picture: Across the nation, school systems — especially in cities and border areas — have reported enrollment shifts tied to immigration enforcement fears, the AP reports.
What we're watching: Whether any local change in ICE activity alters enrollment or attendance trends at DMPS schools.