Story perspectives

Charlotte Schools Face 50% Attendance Drop Amid Immigration Fears

11/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

More than 21,000 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) students were absent on November 18, 2025, amid fears of immigration enforcement, including Operation Charlotte's Web.
Mayor Pro Tempore Danté Anderson said families were harmed as parents missed work while children stayed home.
Educators reported attendance drops of 40-50% in schools and noted arrests nearby.
CMS stated no immigration enforcement occurred on school grounds and affirmed students' right to education regardless of immigration status.

History

Historical Context

Operation Wetback, initiated in June 1954 under President Eisenhower, aimed to deport undocumented Mexican immigrants, resulting in over 1.1 million removals. This operation, which used military-style tactics, created fear among immigrant communities and parallels the recent attendance crisis in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where over 21,000 students stayed home due to fears of immigration enforcement, highlighting ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration policy.

1 of 2

Story summary

More than 21,000 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) students were absent on November 18, 2025, amid fears of immigration enforcement, including Operation Charlotte's Web.
Mayor Pro Tempore Danté Anderson said families were harmed as parents missed work while children stayed home.
Educators reported attendance drops of 40-50% in schools and noted arrests nearby.
CMS stated no immigration enforcement occurred on school grounds and affirmed students' right to education regardless of immigration status.

1 / 2