chicago Public Schoolsโค Willโข Excuse Absences โDue to Immigration Enforcement Fears
CHICAGO โ-โฃ Chicago Public Schools (CPS) โannounced โaโ new policy โallowing students to be excused from class if thay are absent due to fear of immigration โenforcement actions, a move critics say comes as federal immigration enforcement increases โขin the city and while the district faces scrutiny over its spending. The policy, detailed in a district-wideโ memo, aims to address anxietiesโค withinโข theโฃ student โbody, notably among the city’s large Latinx population,โ following recent ICE operations.
The change comes amid heightened concerns from community advocates about the impact of increased federal immigration โฃenforcement on students and families. In November 2025, U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted operations in the Little โฃVillage neighborhood, a predominantly mexican American community, sparking fear andโ disruption. CPS received overโ $1.5 billion in federal โคtaxpayer funds in fiscal year 2024, raising questions about resource allocation as โคthe district simultaneously grapples with lowโ student proficiency rates and concerns over administrative spending.
According to โคthe CPS memo, absences related to immigration concerns will be excusedโฃ with โappropriate documentation from a parent or guardian. School officials will work with families to provide โsupportโค and resources, including connecting themโข with legal aid organizations.
“Our schools are safe havens for all students, and we are committed โto ensuring thatโ every child โขfeels secure and supported,” the memo states. “This policy is a direct response to the anxietiesโ expressed by our students and families, and it โreflects our unwavering commitmentโ to inclusivityโฃ and equity.”
The policy change arrives as CPS faces criticism for its financial management. A recent report from the district’s Office of Inspector General revealed $14.5 millionโ in “excessive”โฃ travel expenses during fiscal years 2023 and 2024.simultaneously, โspring 2024 data showsโ only โข30.5% of students in gradesโฃ 3-8โค are proficient in reading, and just 18.3% โare proficient in math.
CPS representatives did not respondโ to requestsโฃ for comment regarding the new โpolicy or the recent โaudit findings.