News Summary
Local immigrant families in Clark County are increasingly anxious about the new school year due to fears of immigration enforcement near schools. Changes in federal policy have heightened these concerns, prompting calls for families to enroll their children and remain aware of their rights. The Clark County School District asserts that it will protect students’ information and their safety. Despite these reassurances, many families feel fearful and have begun seeking alternative schooling arrangements, reflecting a nationwide trend of anxiety among immigrant parents regarding education and safety.
Las Vegas, Nevada – Local immigrant families in Clark County are expressing heightened anxiety as the new school year approaches, primarily due to fears about potential immigration enforcement near schools. Recent changes in federal policy and ongoing discussions about immigration reform have made the situation increasingly tense for these families.
As the Clark County School District (CCSD) prepares to welcome students, the Nevada Immigrant Coalition has urged families to enroll their children while staying informed about their rights. Many parents have reported concerns stemming from the rescinded directive under the previous Trump administration, which had provided protections for sensitive locations such as schools, prohibiting immigration enforcement activities in those areas.
In response to these fears, CCSD has reiterated its long-standing resolution, which designates district property as a safe space for all students, regardless of their immigration status. The district has stated that it does not report undocumented immigrants to immigration authorities and does not inquire about students’ or parents’ immigration status during the enrollment process.
Confidential information regarding students’ immigration status is exclusively protected, with CCSD policy preventing sharing this data with immigration enforcement agencies like ICE without parental consent or a judicial warrant. This policy aims to foster an environment where all students can feel secure and focused on their education.
Despite these assurances, anxiety remains high among immigrant families, especially in light of a proposed bill aimed at limiting immigration enforcement at schools. This bill, which received bipartisan support, was ultimately vetoed by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. The governor cited concerns over legal uncertainty and the importance of cooperation with federal authorities as reasons for his decision. This veto has prompted criticism from immigrant advocacy groups who believe it undermines the safety of immigrant children attending school.
CCSD Superintendent Jhone Ebert has indicated that federal officials have assured the district that immigration enforcement actions will not take place on school campuses. Ebert also emphasized that the district does not track the immigration status of students, enabling enrollment regardless of citizenship. Approximately half of CCSD’s 300,000 students identify as Hispanic or Latino, many of whom are English language learners or recently arrived immigrants. This demographic shift reflects the diverse community within the district.
However, fears of potential arrests by ICE agents remain pervasive among immigrant parents. Many are hesitant to send their children to school, prompting some to seek alternative educational arrangements. Community coordinators have noted that a number of undocumented parents are exploring transportation solutions to mitigate the risks of encountering immigration enforcement as they take their children to school.
This alarming trend has been reflected across the nation, where reports have indicated cases of ICE arrests occurring near schools. The pervasive anxiety among immigrant families has led to concerns regarding overall school safety as well. In response to these issues, CCSD is implementing enhanced security measures, including the installation of panic buttons and security cameras at school facilities.
Declining enrollment figures, particularly among immigrant families, are also a growing concern for CCSD as these fears about immigration enforcement persist. In an effort to reassure parents, the district is emphasizing its commitment to children’s safety and privacy, asserting that any local law enforcement activities will occur off-campus.
In a sign of solidarity, immigrant parents have come together, offering to help transport the children of undocumented families to school. This community-driven initiative reflects the resilience and support within these families as they navigate a challenging landscape. Superintendent Ebert has stressed the importance of school attendance for all children, encouraging families to send their children to school despite their fears. Chronic absenteeism has been identified as an issue that negatively impacts student achievement, and the district is actively pursuing initiatives aimed at improving student performance.
As the new school year approaches, Clark County’s immigrant families face significant challenges, but the district remains committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Clark County Schools Assures Families of Safety Amid Immigration Concerns
Las Vegas Tourism Struggles Amid Trump Administration Policies
Las Vegas Declares August 6 as Latin Chamber of Commerce Day
Curacao Launches Essential Assistance Program for Latino Families in Las Vegas
Immigrant Families in Las Vegas Face Anxiety as School Year Begins
Congressman Ro Khanna Addresses Economic Concerns in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Students Partner with Nonprofit for New Learning Center
Vigil Held in Las Vegas for Jaime Alanis Following ICE Raid
Broadacres Marketplace Closes Amid ICE Raid Fears
Protest Against ICE Raids Escalates in Las Vegas
Additional Resources
- The Nevada Independent: Immigration Officials to Stay Out of Schools
- Wikipedia: Immigration Enforcement in the United States
- Las Vegas Sun: Back to School Prep for Immigrant Families
- Google Search: Immigrant Families School Enrollment
- KTNV: Questions and Concerns for CCSD Superintendent
- Google Scholar: School Enforcement Policies Immigration
- 8 News Now: CCSD Does Not Check Immigration Status
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration in the United States
- News 3 LV: ICE Not Allowed in Schools Without Warrant
- Google News: CCSD Superintendent ICE Policy
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark 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 Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
