Stanford: ICE Enforcement Surge Linked To 22% Absence Spike In Central Valley Schools

A Stanford study finds K-12 absences in five Central Valley districts rose about 22% at the start of 2025 amid an ICE enforcement surge, with the steepest drops among elementary and newcomer students. Fresno Unified and other districts report families keeping children home over deportation fears and are offering remote options and outreach. DHS disputes causation, but similar attendance dips were reported in Los Angeles and Detroit, suggesting a wider pattern with funding and learning-loss implications.