WCPSS reports increased absences Tuesday during federal immigration enforcement in the Triangle

WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wake County Public Schools reported an increase in absences Tuesday, as federal immigration enforcement actions were reported across the Triangle.

A district spokesperson shared there were 19,471 absences Tuesday, a rate of 10.79%. For comparison, on October 27, there were 11,630 absences, a rate of 6.85%.

"One of the things that we did do was to look at our Monday attendance, and it was still about the regular number of what we would anticipate. But then obviously Tuesday was way down, well beyond what we had anticipated," said WCPSS Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

110 schools reported absence rates of 10% or higher, and while some largely maintained normal attendance figures, others saw major drops.

"We know that many are going to experience anxiety. We know that we've had so many people that have been absent in some of these schools and social workers and others have tried to provide more resources for them in terms of food and support and things of that nature. And so what we want to do is to make sure that we look out for the wellbeing of our students," said Taylor.

Brentwood Elementary saw about six times the number of absences between Monday and Tuesday, from 21 to 121.

Baileywick Road Elementary experienced nearly five times higher call-outs, from 35 to 161.

Hodge Road Elementary's absence figures roughly quadrupled, from 44 to 167.

Millbrook Elementary reported its absence rate tripled, from 49 to 148.

"I absolutely know that taking away instructional time in whatever form is going to have an academic impact at the end. So yes, I'm highly concerned about that," said Taylor, when asked about the possibility of prolonged absences.

He explained students who missed school as a result of anxiety over enforcement actions would be considered as excused absences.

Letha Muhammad with the non-profit Education Justice Alliance wants to see the district take a proactive effort to ensure those students who missed school are still able to access their classwork, comparing it to transitions made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We became very nimble with creating spaces and opportunities for young people to still be engaged in learning even from at home. We should be able to use those same tools and translate them to a time now that even though the fear isn't steeped in a medical concern, it's steeped in an actual physical harm concern," said Muhammad.

Muhammad shared concerns she's heard from families.

"They're at home. That's what we're hearing from our families, that they're afraid to leave their homes. They're afraid to just go get groceries, or medical supplies or diapers for their young children. This isn't fake. This isn't pretend. These are people's real lives and experiences. In this kind of environment, the last thing they want to do is send their children out of the the safety of their homes into potentially harm's way, even to go to the public school building," Muhammad shared.

A Wake County Public Schools official stressed there were no immigration enforcement actions on campuses. While Taylor said they were unable to provide protection at bus stops, they are able to work with families who have concerns about transportation.

"If they can't pick up their kid because they are leaving the house, then they can communicate that with their child's school, and their child's school will work to make sure that that they can take (the bus) home safely," Taylor said.

The Department of Homeland Security lists schools as an example of an area generally protected from enforcement actions by ICE and Customs and Border Patrol. A memo sent by WCPSS to principals earlier this year notes ICE agents are able to access a school should they have a federal judicial warrant that grants a right of entry. Further, the memo states that school staff may not ask families about their visa or immigration status.

"By law, we are to educate every child regardless of immigrant status, that is U.S. Supreme Court binding precedent. (We're) trying to remind folks we've got to continue to do our job. We've got to continue to encourage all families to send their children to school because they deserve education that they will receive," said State Superintendent Mo Green.