School leaders throughout the state are assuring students and parents of safe learning environments in North Carolina classrooms as federal immigration agents have arrived in the Triangle.

Wake County Public School System Superintendent Robert Taylor provided a message to parents and students on Tuesday.

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"We understand that recent developments regarding federal immigration orders may create questions and anxiety within our community," Taylor's statement reads in part.

Taylor added, "Please know that our commitment to you is unwavering. Our primary mission is, and always will be, to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for every single child, regardless of immigration status. We want all staff and families to feel secure in knowing that we are dedicated to protecting the privacy and rights of all our students, and we are legally required to enroll and educate all children residing within our boundaries."

The district provided further guidance.

"Our primary focus remains on the well-being, safety, and education of every student we serve, regardless of their background," the district's statement reads. "We recognize that recent orders may cause uncertainty for some members of our community. We want to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment where all children can learn and thrive.

"The Supreme Court’s Plyler v. Doe decision guarantees all children the right to access a public education, regardless of citizenship status. Our district has always complied with federal and state laws and will continue to do so. We are equally committed to ensuring our schools remain safe and welcoming spaces for all students and families."

The district also mentioned the procedures law enforcement must follow when interacting with students on campus.

"If law enforcement seeks access to a school, we will consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws," the district wrote. "Additionally, our district does not ask for or record information about the immigration status of any family. We will continue to honor all laws protecting the privacy of student records as outlined in board policies."

Wake County schools also encouraged families to communicate directly with the child's teacher and school if a student needs to be absent.

"Sharing the reason for the absence - whether it’s illness, a family matter, or simply feeling worried - helps us understand how to best support your child," the district's statement reads.

Wake County schools and several Triangle-area districts told WRAL News their attendance data is finalized overnight, meaning it won't be available until Wednesday.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leaders have said that unofficial attendance data from Monday showed nearly 21,000 students were absent on Monday. That is about 15% of students enrolled in the district. A normal day would see about 8% of the district's students absent.

The Wake County Public School System also provided a list of resources, including:

Durham child care facility locked down caused by ICE activity, Durham leaders say

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams confirmed the city saw activity from Border Patrol. 

"Residents have been sending content and posting it online," Williams wrote in a text message to WRAL News. "It's extremely frustrating because we are so limited."

Religious and education leaders spoke out against immigration operations in the city after a daycare went into lockdown. According to city leaders, the lockdown was caused by immigration agents in the area.

"We put up signs to let them know they could not come in our buildings," said Elisha Muhammad at All My Children, a childcare facility in Durham. "We just tried to gather together and make sure the kids were not aware of what was going on outside. We didn't want they to be aware so we continued our day inside."

Durham County Commission Chair Nida Allam told WRAL News that she has seen video of Immigration Enforcement Action playing out in other places. She learned from grassroots organizations that customs agents were at Beauty World on Avondale Drive.

Allam said she feels fear in the community around these situations.

"This is them coming in with full masks on their face, not identifying themselves, trying to just instill fear,” Allam said. “And we in Durham County are a welcoming community."

This is my neighborhood," said Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director of the North Carolina Council of Churches. "My religion caused me to welcome the immigrants and to serve my neighbors. The constitution tells me I have a right to do that."

While some people in the Bull City are supportive of the border patrol raids, people in attendance of the rally stood united.

"This is the Bull City, we stand together, bull strong," said Natalie Beyer, member of the Durham Public School Board.

NC superintendent commits to safe learning environments, regardless of students’ immigration status

North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice "Mo" Green provided a statement on Tuesday about the state's commitment to providing safe learning environments for all students.

"Every child in North Carolina has the constitutional right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status," Green said. "This is not a choice, it is our legal responsibility. Our schools are places of learning, growth and opportunity. When students are absent due to fear, their education suffers and our entire community is diminished.

"Consistent with binding legal precedent, North Carolina public schools remain committed to ensuring every student can safely attend school and receive the education they deserve.

"Our educators and school staff are focused on what they do best – teaching and nurturing young minds. We will continue to work with local boards of education and school leaders to maintain safe, welcoming environments where all students can learn and thrive."

The North Carolina of Department of Public Instruction also mentioned that the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe (1982).

Federal and state laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and North Carolina General Statute Section 115C-367, prohibit discrimination based on race, color or national origin in North Carolina schools.

In January 2025, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) shared information with public school leaders on school-related state and federal legal requirements pertaining to immigrant students and families. The NCDPI encourages public school leaders to review that information.

What other NC districts are saying

Cumberland County Schools provided a statement on Tuesday.

"Cumberland County Schools is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for all students and staff. The district will continue to follow all applicable state and federal laws while ensuring students have access to the educational, social and emotional support they need. We are not aware of any immigration enforcement activity on our campuses at this time. If a situation arises that affects a student, staff member or their family, we will consult with our legal counsel and take appropriate steps to support those involved while complying with all legal requirements. We’ve reviewed attendance numbers over the past four days and have not seen any major fluctuations in student attendance.”

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Rodney Trice provided a statement to staff, families and the community.

"I know many in our school community are feeling worried after hearing about recent Border Patrol activity in Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte," Trice wrote in part. "I want to take a moment to directly address those concerns, and reassure you of our strong, united commitment to supporting every student and family in our district.

"Our schools are safe, welcoming and inclusive places where every child has the right to learn and grow without fear. CHCCS doesn’t ask for or keep information about a student’s immigration status, which is protected by law from being shared. We firmly believe education is a fundamental right, and no child should ever be denied access or opportunity because of their family’s immigration status."

Trice wrote for anyone with concerns or needing assistance to reach out to the school's principal, school counselor, social worker, mental health specialist or other trusted adult.

Hoke County Schools provided steps to follow if an ICE agent reports to a school:

  • Notify the superintendent or designee immediately, and obtain badge information.
    • If an ICE/CBP agent has a subpoena, please inform the superintendent or assistant superintendent of human resources as soon as possible.
      • Make sure students have updated emergency contact information.