San Antonio, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Student enrollment in San Antonio schools, particularly in Edgewood ISD, has significantly declined as families fear Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Reports indicate a withdrawal of 200 students, including 50 bilingual students, with community organizations noting a 70% drop in attendance. The situation has prompted schools to take measures to protect students and advise families on preparedness in case of enforcement actions. Advocates seek clearer guidance to support immigrant families and address emotional impact on students.
San Antonio
Student enrollment in San Antonio schools has declined amid fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, with districts, advocates and community organizations reporting families are avoiding schools and public spaces because of concerns about immigration enforcement. The Edgewood Independent School District reported a withdrawal of 200 students in February, including 50 bilingual students, and attendance at community support organizations has fallen by about 70% as families limit movement outside their homes.
What happened
Districts serving large immigrant populations have seen immediate effects on enrollment and attendance. Edgewood ISD, where the student body is approximately 96% Hispanic, attributed recent declines to fears about immigration enforcement. The district held a public safety meeting to discuss protocols if federal agents were to appear at schools and emphasized efforts to protect student safety.
Some families — including those with legal documentation or who are in the immigration process — are still avoiding schools and community support services out of fear of detention or deportation. Educators and nonprofit groups working directly with immigrant families report that children have expressed fear of attending school because of the possibility of raids.
Who is responding and how
Nonprofit organizations and school staff are taking several steps to address the situation. An English as a Second Language director who coordinates programs for a local nonprofit that educates immigrant families about public school rights is working to provide information intended to reduce fear. Legal advisers are encouraging families to prepare documentation such as birth certificates and designated power of attorney forms in case a caregiver is detained.
School systems are also preparing staff through training on how to handle potential interactions with federal agents and to follow legal protocols intended to protect students and staff. However, responses vary across districts: some have convened safety meetings and provided guidance for staff, while others, including the largest district in the city, have signaled they will not issue communications specifically addressing immigration enforcement concerns.
Policy context and calls for guidance
Advocates and educators say fear has grown since the federal administration previously ended a policy that had generally avoided arrests in and around schools, which has left families more anxious. Immigration authorities maintain that enforcement actions are not intended to target individuals who are legally present or who are engaged in immigration proceedings, while also noting an obligation to carry out final removal orders.
In response to rising concern, several state lawmakers requested guidance from the Texas Education Agency on how school districts should prepare for possible immigration enforcement actions. Advocates are calling for clearer policies and additional support for families to address the emotional and social consequences for children.
Impact on students and communities
The enrollment losses and reduced attendance are affecting classroom dynamics, funding formulas tied to attendance, and access to services for children who remain out of school. District leaders say the broader landscape around immigration directly affects enrollment figures and overall student well-being. Community organizations report large drops in participation at events and services aimed at supporting immigrant families.
Current status and next steps
School districts are continuing internal planning and staff training while community groups work to reach families with information about rights and safety. Legal support managers encourage families to prepare documentation and contingency plans. Educators emphasize maintaining welcoming classroom environments even as they work through the legal and logistical complexities posed by federal immigration enforcement.
Background
The current concerns have roots in federal enforcement priorities and policy changes that reduced the prior practice of avoiding school environments for arrests. The mix of federal enforcement responsibilities and local school obligations has created uncertainty about how best to protect children and uphold educational access. Calls for state-level guidance reflect efforts to give districts consistent tools and clearer procedures.
Key features at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reported student withdrawals | 200 students withdrawn from Edgewood ISD in February; includes 50 bilingual students |
| District demographics | Edgewood ISD student population approximately 96% Hispanic |
| Attendance drop at community organizations | About 70% decrease reported |
| District communications | Varied; some districts hold safety meetings, others are not issuing specific communications |
| State-level action | Several state lawmakers requested guidance from the Texas Education Agency |
Timeline
| Date / Timeframe | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| February | Edgewood ISD reports 200 student withdrawals, including 50 bilingual students | Reported by Edgewood ISD |
| Last week | Several state lawmakers requested guidance from the Texas Education Agency for districts | Request sent to state education agency |
| Recent / ongoing | Schools implement staff training on how to handle potential interactions with federal agents | Training in progress |
| Recent | Community organizations report ~70% drop in attendance due to fear | Reported by community support organizations |
| Prior federal policy change | Federal administration ended a practice of avoiding arrests in and around schools | Policy change under previous federal administration |
Statistics (visual)
Edgewood student body Hispanic share: 96%
Reported attendance drop at community organizations: 70%
Share of withdrawn students identified as bilingual: 25% (50 of 200)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are enrollment numbers dropping in some San Antonio schools?
Enrollment declines are being linked to fear among immigrant families of immigration enforcement actions, leading many to avoid schools and public spaces. Districts serving large immigrant populations have reported withdrawals and drops in attendance tied to those concerns.
How many students withdrew from Edgewood ISD recently?
Edgewood ISD reported that 200 students withdrew in February, including 50 bilingual students.
What is the demographic makeup of Edgewood ISD?
Edgewood ISD serves a student population that is approximately 96% Hispanic.
Are schools preparing for possible ICE interactions?
Yes. Some districts have held public safety meetings and are training staff on protocols for handling interactions with federal agents while aiming to prioritize student safety and follow legal procedures.
What are families being advised to do if they fear detentions?
Legal support managers advise preparing documents such as birth certificates and power of attorney designations to clarify who may care for children if a caregiver is detained.
Has the federal government said anything about enforcement near schools?
Immigration authorities have indicated enforcement actions are not intended to target individuals who are legally present or engaged in immigration processes but also state they must enforce final removal orders. A prior policy that generally avoided arrests in and around schools was ended under a previous federal administration, contributing to increased concerns.
What are advocates asking for?
Advocates are requesting clearer guidance and increased support for families and schools to address the emotional, social, and logistical impacts on children and to ensure consistent procedures across districts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Broken Bow Public Schools Address Cyber Theft and Funding Issues
SAISD Implements Strict Cellphone Ban in Schools
Industrial Fire at Meyer MT Texas Plant Causes Evacuation
San Antonio Schools Implement Comprehensive Cellphone Ban
Industrial Fire Breaks Out at MT Texas Facility Near San Antonio
Community Rallies to Replace Stolen AC Unit for Church
National EMS Academy Graduates Largest EMT Class in San Antonio
Increased Rain Chances and Flooding Risks Across Texas
San Antonio Faces Increased Rain Chances and Potential Flooding
Teen Charged with Capital Murder in San Antonio Shooting
Additional Resources
- Axios San Antonio: Education and Immigration
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- KSAT News: Community Immigration Education
- Google Search: San Antonio Immigration Laws
- KENS 5: Local Immigration Concerns
- Google Scholar: ICE Raids in Schools
- San Antonio Express-News: Immigration Arrests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Enforcement
- San Antonio Express-News: Javier Salazar on ICE Arrests
- Google News: San Antonio Immigration
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
