Local public schools saw a surge in absences on Tuesday after word spread that immigration agents would be out in force in and around Raleigh.
Why it matters: The way federal agents have been carrying out arrests — in public places like stores, sidewalks and parking lots — has left both undocumented and legal residents scared that they could be detained, or their children could witness something traumatic.
Zoom in: Wake County Public Schools recorded 19,471 absences Tuesday. That's nearly 11% of students, when typically absences would be closer to 7%, school district officials said.
In Durham, absences approached 21% on Tuesday.
What they're saying: Durham Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Lewis says schools are instructed not to let federal law enforcement in without a signed judicial warrant.
"Many in our community are feeling afraid and unsettled," Lewis said in a video statement.
The latest: Yesterday, Border Patrol appeared to have scaled back in the Triangle, with Siembra NC unable to verify any local sightings. Operations continued in and around Charlotte.
The Department of Homeland Security still hasn't answered questions about the multiple people detained Tuesday in Raleigh, Durham and Cary.
