Las Vegas Schools See Enrollment Concerns Amidst Immigration Fears
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A palpable sense of anxiety within Las Vegas’s Latino community is impacting school enrollment, with parents expressing concerns about potential immigration enforcement actions. Recent data indicates a slowdown in student registration at schools serving predominantly Hispanic populations, raising questions about the long-term effects on educational access.
Decreased Registration and Community Response
Leonardo Amador, principal of Ed Von Tobel Middle School, reported a noticeable decrease in parents registering their children for the upcoming school year during an August 6 town hall hosted by Telemundo Las Vegas. Approximately 80 percent of the student body at Ed Von Tobel identifies as Hispanic,according to data from the Nevada Department of Education. Amador, speaking in Spanish, stated that while families are gradually beginning to register, the numbers remain lower than in previous years. The school is located in a heavily Latino neighborhood of Las Vegas.
Community members are responding with acts of solidarity. Maria Campos,a local advocate,shared instances of legal residents offering to escort the children of undocumented parents to school,ensuring they can attend classes without fear. However, Campos emphasized that the ideal scenario is one where all parents feel safe and empowered to participate fully in their children’s education.
Did You Know? Nevada’s Hispanic population grew by 2.8% between 2022 and 2023, reaching approximately 884,000 residents, representing 29.2% of the state’s total population. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023)
Vetoed Bill and Gubernatorial Decision
During the 2025 legislative session, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican and former clark County sheriff, vetoed Assembly Bill 217 (AB217). Introduced by Assemblywoman Cecelia Gonzalez (D-Las Vegas),the bill aimed to restrict immigration agents from entering school grounds and prevent the sharing of student information with immigration officials. Gonzalez, an educator herself, argued the bill was necessary to alleviate fears among students worried about immigration and Customs enforcement (ICE) raids.
Gonzalez publicly criticized Lombardo’s decision, stating on X (formerly Twitter) on August 4 that he prioritized former President Donald Trump’s policies over the safety and well-being of vulnerable students. in his veto message, Lombardo cited concerns about potential legal conflicts between state and federal authority, describing the bill as “well-intentioned but fundamentally overbroad.” His office did not respond to requests for further comment as of friday.
District Policies and Commitment to Student Rights
Despite the veto, the Clark County School District (CCSD) maintains existing policies designed to protect the educational rights of immigrant students. In 2017, the school board adopted a resolution affirming its commitment to all students regardless of immigration status, a commitment that was reaffirmed in January following President Trump’s inauguration. CCSD explicitly states it does not inquire about a student’s immigration status and is not responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws.
CCSD has established protocols to prevent unauthorized access to schools and student records. Law enforcement and immigration officials are required to verify their identity and present a valid warrant or court order before gaining access. To minimize fear, these interactions are conducted away from public view. Ebert, a district spokesperson, assured the community that staff members are prepared to support students and families during this period.
Pro Tip: Parents concerned about their children’s rights should familiarize themselves with the resources available through the CCSD website and local immigrant advocacy organizations.
| Policy | Date of Implementation | key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| CCSD Resolution on Immigrant Student Rights | 2017 | Affirms commitment to all students regardless of immigration status. |
| Reaffirmation of Resolution | January 2021 | Reinforced commitment following federal policy changes. |
| Access to School Grounds Policy | Ongoing | Requires verification of identity and valid warrant for law enforcement/immigration access. |
Looking Ahead
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities and the critical role schools play in providing safe and inclusive learning environments. The long-term impact of these fears on student enrollment and academic performance remains to be seen.
Background on Immigration and Education
The intersection of immigration and education has been a complex issue in the United States for decades. The Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe (1982) established that states cannot deny public education to children of undocumented immigrants. However, despite this ruling, immigrant students and families often face barriers to accessing education, including language barriers, discrimination, and fear of deportation. Recent increases in immigration enforcement activity have exacerbated these concerns, leading to increased anxiety among immigrant communities and potential declines in school enrollment. according to the Migration Policy Institute, approximately 7.3 million K-12 students in the United States have at least one immigrant parent. (Source: Migration Policy Institute, 2024)
Frequently asked Questions
- What rights do immigrant students have in Nevada schools? Immigrant students in Nevada have the same right to a free public education as U.S. citizen students, regardless of their immigration status.
- Can school officials share student information with immigration authorities? CCSD policy prohibits school officials from sharing student information with immigration authorities without a valid warrant or court order.
- What should parents do if they are concerned about immigration enforcement at their child’s school? Parents should contact school administrators or local immigrant advocacy organizations for assistance and information.
- Does the recent veto of AB217 change CCSD’s policies regarding immigration enforcement? No, CCSD maintains its existing policies protecting immigrant student rights, even without the bill’s passage.
- Where can I find more information about CCSD’s policies on immigrant student rights? Information is available on the CCSD website and through the district’s legal counsel.
What steps can schools take to further build trust with immigrant communities? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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