The Impact of Immigration Misinformation: Why Schools Must Be Safe Spaces for Children

By JP

Schools should be sanctuaries of learning and safety, not places of fear and uncertainty.

A recent incident at Hamline Elementary School in Chicago highlights the devastating effects of misinformation surrounding immigration policies. This event underscores the challenges faced by immigrant communities, particularly in neighborhoods like Chicago’s Back of the Yards, where Latino families are especially vulnerable to the anxiety that misinformation can cause.

directed to the school. Upon presenting identification from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), their presence triggered confusion among school officials, who mistook them for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Fearing an ICE raid, the school’s principal followed Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) protocols and denied the agents entry. The agents left without interacting with staff or students.

This incident sent shockwaves through the school community, intensifying fears in a predominantly Latino area. Misinformation about ICE activity often leads to heightened anxiety among immigrant families, who worry about the possibility of raids and deportations—even in places they consider safe, like schools. As a result, many families hesitate to engage with public institutions, further isolating them.

Schools are a place for learning,
but more than that, they’re like a second home.

Autumn Chandler, CHC junior elementary and special education major

The Broader Issue: Immigration Misinformation

CPS CEO Pedro Martinez later clarified that the agents were not from ICE and reassured the community of the district’s commitment to protecting students and families. However, this event serves as a stark reminder of the broader issue: a widespread lack of understanding about immigration enforcement and its devastating impact on communities.

Across the country, immigration misinformation fuels wrongful detainments, racial profiling, and unnecessary distress. Many individuals fear their immigration status could be questioned or that they could be caught in a raid, even when there is no legitimate reason for concern. This confusion can tear families apart and disrupt the lives of those simply seeking stability and peace.

Addressing the Misinformation Crisis

This alarming situation calls for a shift in how immigration issues are communicated and understood. Government agencies must clarify their roles and provide accurate information about immigration enforcement. Additionally, responsible media reporting and better education on immigration laws are essential to combat widespread misinformation.

To understand how these concerns impact students on our own campus at Chestnut Hill College, I spoke with staff and students about the importance of schools as safe spaces.

Becky McIntyre, interim director of campus ministry, emphasized the need for institutions to create spaces of safety, welcome, and belonging for all students, regardless of their immigration status:

“We must create environments where people feel they can share authentically and know that they are safe and protected,” McIntyre said. “It’s important to take a clear stance on supporting immigrants, educating them about their rights, and helping them navigate the challenges they face in their lives, communities, and families. Students should know that we are here for them.”

Similarly, Autumn Chandler, a 22-year-old junior majoring in elementary and special education, shared her perspective on how schools should be a refuge for students:

“Schools are a place for learning, but more than that, they’re like a second home—especially for elementary and special education students, who spend so much of their time there. Kids learn best when they feel safe, so schools must be spaces of security and comfort.”

The Legal Landscape

According to the Pew Research Center, there were about 850,000 children living in the country illegally as of recent estimates. Long-standing federal policy from the U.S. Department of Education — backed by the U.S. Supreme Court — states that all children, regardless of their or their parents’ immigration status, are entitled to public elementary and secondary education.

Nevertheless, conservative states have signaled their willingness to cooperate with ICE. Sydney Booker, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Education, told the Tallahassee Democrat:

“Florida schools will cooperate with all law enforcement working to enforce the nation’s laws on illegal immigration and keep our schools safe.”

In Alabama, State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey recently released a statement urging districts to “just keep having school” while reminding them that badged law enforcement “should always be welcomed onto our campuses” once their identity is confirmed. Notably, the statement did not mention whether officers require a warrant for entry.

Conclusion

These insights reinforce a crucial truth: When schools foster a safe and inclusive environment, students thrive. Combating misinformation, supporting immigrant families, and ensuring schools remain places of learning—not fear—must be a priority for all educational institutions. Educators, policymakers, and communities must work together to uphold schools as spaces of protection and belonging, free from the damaging effects of immigration misinformation.