Wake County Public Schools issued guidance for families after recent federal immigration enforcement activity prompted anxiety in parts of the community. The superintendent's memo asks families to notify schools if a child must be absent and notes teachers can provide work to keep students on track. The district said it will comply with the law, consult counsel if law enforcement approaches a school, and does not collect immigration-status information. The advisory followed a federal operation in Charlotte that officials say led to 44 arrests and local reports of thousands of absences.
Wake County Issues Guidance on Student Absences Amid Federal Immigration Enforcement
Wake County Public Schools, the state's largest district, sent guidance to families and staff after recent federal immigration enforcement activity raised anxiety in parts of the community.
Superintendent Robert P. Taylor authored a note titled "Supporting staff and families amid recent federal immigration orders," which addresses community concerns and outlines how the district will support students who miss school.
"If a student needs to be absent, we encourage families to communicate directly with their child's teacher and school. Sharing the reason for the absence — whether it’s illness, a family matter, or simply feeling worried — helps us understand how to best support your child."
The memo explains teachers are prepared to work with families so learning can continue: when students are absent, teachers can provide classwork or learning activities for completion at home to help students stay on track and remain connected to their classroom community.
Taylor also emphasized the district will follow state and federal law with respect to enforcement actions. School officials will consult legal counsel if law enforcement approaches a school, and the district does not collect information about students' or their families' immigration status.
Local officials reported federal immigration activity in the area. Raleigh's mayor said ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials had been present in the city; a later statement indicated CBP did not have plans for a local operation.
The guidance arrived shortly after a federal operation in nearby Charlotte, known as "Operation Charlotte’s Web." Federal officials reported that 44 people were taken into custody within 48 hours; authorities said those individuals' records included offenses such as aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, assault on an officer, battery, driving under the influence and hit-and-run.
Local reporting from Charlotte noted a marked increase in absences: roughly 20,935 students missed school across 185 schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg district, where about 31% of students are Hispanic. Officials in other jurisdictions have reported similar absentee spikes during enforcement activity.
The district urged families who are worried to contact their child’s teacher or school so staff can provide appropriate academic support and help ensure students do not fall behind.
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