Impact of Increased Immigration Enforcement on Rochester Public Schools

Rochester Public Schools (RPS) has reported an average daily decrease of over 530 students, representing more than 3% of its total student body, in the wake of intensified immigration enforcement. This decline was noted between January 9 and January 22, 2025, compared to the previous month. Superintendent Kent Pekel addressed this issue during a press conference with Minnesota state lawmakers, emphasizing the detrimental effects of prolonged student absences on academic performance, social development, and mental health.

Rochester Public Schools reports daily drop of more than 500 students in wake of increased ICE enforcement

The data reveals alarming trends in student absences, with an 81% increase in excused absences across all students. Notably, students whose first language is not English experienced a staggering 417% rise in absences, while low-income students saw a 116% increase. Additionally, absences among Asian students rose by 68%, and Latino students faced a 376% increase. The demographic breakdown of RPS indicates that 25.5% of students speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish, Somali, and Arabic being the most common languages.

Rochester Public Schools reports daily drop of more than 500 students in wake of increased ICE enforcement

Pekel noted that while immigration enforcement has historically impacted the community, the current surge is unprecedented in its volume and indiscriminate nature, creating widespread fear among families. He stated that the district has not reported any immigration enforcement activity on school property, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does not target schools. However, the designation of schools as "sensitive areas" was removed by DHS in January 2025, raising concerns about the safety of students.

Rochester Public Schools reports daily drop of more than 500 students in wake of increased ICE enforcement

In response to these challenges, RPS has seen a notable increase in enrollment in its online program, MNSync Online, with 186 new students joining since January 7. This shift reflects a growing interest in alternative education options amidst fears surrounding immigration enforcement.

Rochester Public Schools reports daily drop of more than 500 students in wake of increased ICE enforcement

The heightened immigration enforcement climate has led to protests, including a student walkout on January 13, 2025, in response to the ongoing situation. Community members have voiced their concerns to both the Rochester School Board and the Rochester City Council. Pekel highlighted that the current environment affects all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, who are at risk of losing valuable educational opportunities and peer relationships.

Rochester Public Schools reports daily drop of more than 500 students in wake of increased ICE enforcement

• "If the COVID pandemic taught us anything, it is this: It is deeply harmful to students — and to society — when students are not in school." — Kent Pekel, Superintendent, Rochester Public Schools

Rochester Public Schools reports daily drop of more than 500 students in wake of increased ICE enforcement

• "The current surge is different... its indiscriminate nature has created widespread fear." — Kent Pekel, Superintendent, Rochester Public Schools

Rochester Public Schools reports daily drop of more than 500 students in wake of increased ICE enforcement

• "That climate affects everyone in our schools." — Kent Pekel, Superintendent, Rochester Public Schools

Rochester Public Schools reports daily drop of more than 500 students in wake of increased ICE enforcement

While RPS has not reported any immigration enforcement actions on school property, the situation remains tense, with reports of immigration agents being present at bus stops and school grounds in other districts, raising questions about the overall safety of students in the region.

Rochester Public Schools reports daily drop of more than 500 students in wake of increased ICE enforcement