A new survey examines the ICE enforcement impact on Head Start programs across the country. The Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP (WSA), alongside the Pennsylvania and Wisconsin Head Start Associations, surveyed 277 directors, leadership staff, frontline staff, parents, and caregivers across seven states to understand how ICE enforcement activity is impacting the children and families they serve. Here is what they found.
ICE enforcement impact on Head Start programs Survey Overview
Children Are Showing Signs of Trauma
47% of respondents observed negative behavioral changes in children matching clinical symptoms of anxiety, stress, and trauma. Staff reported developmental regression, hypervigilance, withdrawal from unfamiliar adults, and children who are afraid to play outside. These effects were observed in both immigrant and non-immigrant children.
“Children are afraid to leave their homes thinking that they won’t see their parents again.”
The ICE Enforcement Impact on Head Start Programs: ICE Activity Is Widespread
52% of program leaders reported at least one instance of ICE activity near their facility in the past 12 months. 6.3% reported activity specifically during drop-off and pick-up times.
Families Are Pulling Back
26% of parents altered their daily drop-off or pick-up routines to avoid potential exposure to ICE activity. 33% reported severe anxiety about traveling to their Head Start center. Staff observed significant drops in parent meeting attendance, workshops, and classroom volunteering.
“Families do not always directly tell us that their absence or change of address is due to immigration fears. What we DO know is that in neighborhoods with a higher number of first-time immigrant populations, we have a much higher absenteeism and movement than we have ever experienced before.”
Attendance and Enrollment Are Suffering
78% of staff reported that ICE enforcement activities had a noticeable impact on student attendance. Programs averaged a 7% unenrollment rate due to immigration fears, and 14% of directors reported delays in new student registrations.
Programs Are Being Stretched
The ICE enforcement impact on Head Start programs extends beyond the classroom. 76% of program leaders received staff requests for guidance on handling ICE encounters. 71% of programs upgraded security infrastructure and created formal response protocols. Staff reported a critical need for legal rights education, protocol training, and emergency safety plans for children of detained parents.
“Staff have been heartbroken that families ask them if they will be the emergency contact for the child if the parent is picked up.”
Staff Are Still Showing Up
Despite the strain, 95% of Head Start staff refused to reduce their hours or take leave.
“Assurance that our buildings are safe and we are safe.” — Head Start Director, on what families and staff need most.
Media Coverage
The following news outlets have covered the ICE enforcement impact on Head Start programs and the communities we serve.
- The 74: New Survey of Head Start Providers in 7 States Charts ICE’s Negative Impact
- The Seattle Times: Students in Head Start are anxious about immigration, survey finds
- WUWM 89.7 Milwaukee’s NPR: Survey finds kids are staying home from childcare due to ICE enforcement fears
