“They took her, they took her, they took her.” These words echoed in Cora Muñoz’s mind as she spoke with a distraught guardian. Immigration officials had detained a student at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, the very school where she serves as assistant principal.
This situation is sadly becoming all too familiar. Despite the fear surrounding immigration enforcement, Muñoz and her colleagues have worked to build trust with immigrant families. The New Haven public schools have actively partnered with organizations that assist these families, providing crucial resources such as legal help and food. They also hold workshops to educate students about their rights. When a family member is detained, staff step in, offering support through letters and fundraising efforts to help bring them home.
Yet, the anxiety of deportation looms large every day in these schools. Recent statistics show that the number of English language learners in Connecticut dropped by over 2,000 students—a decrease of nearly 3.8%—between fall 2024 and fall 2025. New Haven saw an even sharper decline of 7.3%. Many immigrant families seem to have vanished, opting out of the school system altogether.
Darwin, an 18-year-old from Guatemala, embodies the fear many students feel. “Sometimes I don’t even want to attend school because it makes me afraid to go out of the house,” he admits. This kind of fear is reflected across the country, where immigrant student enrollment has dipped significantly. According to experts like Julie Sugarman from the Migration Policy Institute, the challenges faced by immigrant students vary widely depending on local enforcement practices and community support.
Amid these hardships, New Haven has made efforts to create a welcoming atmosphere. Schools communicate in multiple languages, ensuring that all families feel included. Signs stating “We all smile in the same language” hang prominently, reflecting the community’s diversity. In a city where more than one in six residents are foreign-born, these efforts are crucial.
However, amid the collaboration and support, the anxiety has penetrated children’s everyday lives. Educators report a noticeable change in student behavior. Some students who once thrived in class now hesitate to participate, their spirits dimmed by the shadow of potential arrest. Fatima Nouchkioui, an English teacher at Wilbur Cross, notices students skipping classes due to emotional distress. “I’ve seen a lot more sadness,” she shares. “They have too much going on emotionally to make them go to their classes.”
Even those in higher education are feeling the impact. Organizations providing college access are seeing a drop in attendance. As uncertain futures loom, many students question the value of pursuing a degree.
Last summer, two students from Wilbur Cross were detained in quick succession, highlighting the urgent reality families face. Teachers and staff work tirelessly to support these students, adapting to their needs and fostering a sense of normalcy wherever possible. Yet the fear remains palpable—students like Darwin live with the constant dread of when the next arrest might happen.
In the face of this, Madeline Negrón, the superintendent of New Haven public schools, maintains a steadfast commitment to the safety of her students. “Nobody is going to walk through my doors without proper verification,” she asserts firmly.
While there have been no ICE raids in local schools yet, the community’s anxiety is evident. Rumors of nearby operations can disrupt daily life. Recently, agents were spotted near a college, sparking fears among students. When students see uniformed personnel, the link to family separations and detentions becomes sharply real.
As these children navigate their lives, they juggle many responsibilities, often supporting family members back home. The weight of these pressures, coupled with the fear of deportation, creates a challenging environment for learning and personal growth.
The path for these students is fraught with difficulty, but schools like Wilbur Cross aim to provide the support they desperately need. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on creating a safe space that allows every child to thrive, despite the surrounding chaos.
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