They are focusing on surviving Fear of ICE raids keeping San Jose students from school

Attendance among San Jose students has plummeted due to heightened fears of ICE raids, with a notable decrease of 10,000 students reported in February. Programs like ConXion to Community, which support marginalized youth, have faced a 30% drop in participation, leading to concerns about academic struggles and emotional well-being. Trustee Jorge Pacheco Jr. highlighted the broader implications of absenteeism, warning that students missing significant school time are less likely to graduate or attend college. The Santa Clara County area, which has a high concentration of immigrant families, is particularly affected.

While some districts, such as East Side Union High School District, report stable attendance rates, the overall climate of fear remains a significant barrier to education. In response, the county has organized training sessions for school staff on how to handle immigration enforcement interactions and created legal clinics for affected families. Program mentors are also working to educate students on safety measures regarding ICE encounters. Community leaders underscore the urgent need for support systems to alleviate the trauma experienced by students and their families.