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The U.S. Department of Education has not responded to House Democrats’ 2025 inquiry into how the agency is supporting states and districts with students who have been impacted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity, according to a Wednesday update from minority members on the House Committee on Education and Workforce and other Democrats.
The original inquiry was sent in November and requested information on guidance the department was providing to help ensure school districts were addressing mental health challenges and chronic absenteeism amid increased ICE enforcement activities. That letter also said the agency could help states and districts understand how to best use federal funds to keep school environments safe, among other activities.
Lawmakers had requested a response from U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon by Dec. 5, 2025. However, as of Feb. 17, McMahon has yet to respond, Raiyana Malone, press secretary for the House Committee on Education and Workforce, said in an email.
“We remain deeply concerned about the effect these ongoing enforcement efforts will have on student health, well-being and engagement,” read a Feb. 17 follow-up letter signed by over 70 Democratic representatives, including Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce. “Since the last letter, there have been several examples of educational spaces being affected by ICE activity.”
According to a tracker compiled by K-12 Dive, there were at least 7 incidents of ICE on school grounds in January alone. Additional reported incidents involving children have occurred off of school grounds and include agents near school bus stops or stopping vans contracted by districts to transport students.
The Education Department has not released official public statements or guidance about how school district leaders should navigate ICE enforcement near or around school grounds, which superintendents have told K-12 Dive is making schools unsafe and raising concerns.
The agency didn’t respond to a request for comment on whether it intends to respond to the Democratic lawmakers’ concerns or whether it will release guidance for superintendents.
