WASHINGTON (AP) — The last time she saw her husband, the father of her three children, was when he left their Washington apartment a month ago to buy milk and diapers. A phone call later revealed he had been pulled over, and soon after she learned he was detained.
This Guatemalan immigrant, who remains anonymous out of fear of immigration authorities, has been unable to take her children to their nearby charter school since her husband was deported. The couple's children, born in the U.S., are grappling with the emotional aftermath of their father's absence, with one son missing school due to distress.
Washington schools reopened amidst a backdrop of heightened law enforcement, including the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in neighborhoods historically perceived as safe. This has made life for immigrant families increasingly precarious.
Teachers are witnessing a palpable fear in their classrooms, as some students worry about the safety of their family and community members, leading to mental distress impacting their education. According to Ben Williams, a D.C. teacher, the fear of deportation is making it difficult for students and parents alike.
Community members have organized “walking buses” to help escort children to school, as many families fear leaving their homes due to police presence. This response is crucial in neighborhoods like Mount Pleasant where the presence of federal agents has become common.
Research shows that immigrant students' attendance has decreased, reflecting a broader trend tied to immigration enforcement that threatens their sense of safety and security. In addition to emotional tolls, lower attendance negatively impacts the educational prospects of Latino students linked to immigrant families.
As children and families navigate this challenging landscape, the future becomes uncertain. For one mother, her dream of providing a better life and education for her children feels shattered, as she contemplates returning to Guatemala due to the risk of deportation and the loss of family stability. The American dream, she said, is now 'gone.'
