BURSTTwo of the biggest teachers unions in the country are suing the Trump administration over its immigration crackdown, saying schools are suffering because of it.
The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers joined a federal lawsuit Tuesday after the Trump administration took away the directive for immigration officials to stay away from school grounds.
Although no Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) officials are known to have entered a school for enforcement, the lawsuit alleges people have been arrested while dropping off students and other parents have pulled students from school or certain activities due to fear of deportation.
The teacher unions point to studies showing enrollment drops or increases in absences after ICE activity has been reported in certain areas.
“Every student who comes into their public school — no matter what they look like or the language they speak — belongs in a safe and welcoming public school so they can learn and grow,” said Becky Pringle, NEA President.
“By targeting schools, Donald Trump’s ICE is creating fear and chaos, and our students, their families and communities are paying the price for these traumatic and extreme immigration actions. We have a professional and moral responsibility to keep our students safe. We will continue to show up for our students and their families, and we will stand up at our schools and communities when they are under attack,” she added.
The Hill has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment.