Preschools in Fear: Immigration Crackdowns Disrupting Early Education

Immigration crackdowns under Trump have disrupted preschools, particularly impacting immigrants in child care roles. Fear of ICE operations has changed school operations, as many workers face potential deportation despite legal status. Mental health challenges are rising among staff and students, affecting educational environments.

Following President Trump's aggressive immigration policies, preschools like CentroNía are encountering unprecedented disruptions. With ICE operations intensifying, the once-normal routines in these educational settings have been overtaken by anxiety and fear.

Preschools find themselves in turmoil as the presence of ICE officials looms large over their operations. CentroNía and similar institutions have altered their practices to keep children safe, while the workforce, heavily reliant on immigrant labor, faces precariousness and uncertainty.

Teachers and support staff, many of whom have legal status, are bearing the brunt of these crackdowns, experiencing mental health challenges. Students, too, are not immune, demonstrating increased anxiety in response to the heightened climate of fear.

(With inputs from agencies.)