Undocumented Students in Washington Facing Increased Anxiety Amid Rising ICE Activity
For many undocumented students across Washington, heightened activity from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is creating significant unease about attending school. This concern has escalated as federal immigration policies shift under the current administration.
Growing Number of Undocumented Students in Higher Education
Recent data reveals that over 500,000 undocumented students are enrolled in colleges and universities nationwide, including more than 12,000 in Washington state, as reported by the Higher Education Immigration Portal in 2025.
Impact of Rising ICE Arrests on Students
The increasing presence of ICE has profound implications for students in Washington. During the first nine months of 2025, approximately 75,000 individuals with no criminal records were arrested by ICE, exacerbating fears among the undocumented community.
Personal Accounts Highlighting the Fear
Sara, a 53-year-old undocumented student living near Yakima, shared her fears about attending school. Concerned about ICE operations, she expressed, “I’m scared to go to school.” While she pursues her education with hopes of becoming a social worker, the specter of immigration enforcement looms large.
Educational Aspirations Confronted by Immigration Challenges
Fleeing domestic violence, Sara immigrated from Mexico at the age of 25, hoping for a better life for herself and her son. Initially faced with the challenge of a language barrier, Sara now grapples with another obstacle: the threat posed by ICE to her education.
The Community’s Response to ICE Activities
The anxiety surrounding ICE’s activities has permeated the immigrant community, prompting state Sen. Drew Hansen to introduce legislation aimed at limiting ICE’s access to nonpublic spaces such as day cares, nursing homes, and educational institutions without a warrant. “While we cannot influence the federal government’s actions regarding immigration enforcement, we can strive to make our universities secure environments for learning,” Hansen stated.
Advocacy and Continued Efforts for Safe Learning Environments
Although Hansen’s proposed SAFE Act did not pass this Congress, he intends to reintroduce it next year. Even in the absence of such legislation, many Washington universities have instituted policies that restrict ICE’s operations on their campuses without proper legal grounds.
Community Solidarity Among Students
Sarah joined fellow immigrant students at a rally in February, organized by Communities for Our Colleges, to advocate for the SAFE Act. She emphasizes that the fear of deportation should not obstruct the educational pursuits of immigrants. “Despite the daily danger posed by ICE, I continue to attend school because I cannot forfeit this opportunity,” she reflected.
