Parents, students and health experts urge Wake County school board to shield immigrant families from enforcement

At the Wake County Board of Education meeting on Feb. 4, students, parents and community organizations urged school leaders to block immigration-enforcement activity on campus and to issue clearer, stronger protections for immigrant families, saying fear of enforcement is harming children’s ability to learn.

“Every child deserves the chance to learn in an environment free from fear,” said Bailey Owens, a junior at Apex Friendship High School, during the meeting’s public comment period. “I know you are working on a policy, and I urge you to be thorough and unrelenting in the protection of our staff and students.”

The plea came after a series of federal actions and public statements about immigration enforcement that commenters said have amplified anxiety among families. Fernando Martinez, representing community groups including the Lucas and Justice Alliance, told the board Wake County is one of the country’s largest districts and should “be bolder” in protecting students. “Our families are confused. Our families are afraid,” Martinez said.

Health professionals told the board that…