MINNEAPOLIS - For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending children to school has become an act of faith amid fears of deportation and recent immigration raids. Ten-year-old Giancarlo, who is still able to attend school, illustrates this precarious balance.
Each morning, he and his family leave their Minneapolis home, his little brother Yair with his backpack, though he has stopped going to daycare due to their mother's fears. In these moments, Giancarlo's mother often pauses to pray for their safety, a visible sign of the anxiety that permeates their daily lives.
With increased federal immigration enforcement around the state, many parents are hesitant to send their kids to school, leading to a dramatic rise in absenteeism. In St. Paul district alone, more than 9,000 students were absent on a recent day, hinting at the deep impact fear has had on educational access.
This environment pushes families to unprecedented measures to ensure safety. Some parents have given up jobs or opted for alternative transportation options, deeply altering their familial structures and finances. School officials have noticed a decline in attendance, with some classrooms seeing only a handful of students.
The physical and emotional toll this situation takes is evident. Giancarlo expresses his concern for his family, often saving part of his school meals to share with those who stay at home. His mother reveals the heavy weight of the current atmosphere, saying, 'I don’t feel safe with him going to school.' Yet, when Giancarlo wakes up each day, his desire to be with friends outweighs those fears.
Community organizations, schools, and parents are mobilizing efforts to support students. Teachers are now accompanying kids on the walk home, especially after they encountered immigration officers in the area, enhancing safety and providing reassurance.
This ongoing narrative highlights the resilience of immigrant families in Minnesota as they navigate a challenging educational landscape under the threat of immigration enforcement.
