Teens from Immigrant Families Face Bullying During ICE Actions

Survey Reveals Bullying Incidents in U.S. High Schools Linked to Immigration Policies

A recent survey conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) indicates that over one-third of public high schools in the United States have reported incidents of bullying directed toward specific students, particularly Hispanic teenagers. The survey highlights the influence of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement initiatives on school communities.

Published by the UCLA Institute for Democracy, Education, and Access, the survey reflects data collected from more than 600 high school principals during the summer of 2025, a period marked by intensified anti-immigration operations in Los Angeles.

According to the findings, over 70% of high schools reported heightened anxiety among students from immigrant families regarding their families’ safety and well-being. This climate of fear appears to have resulted in a notable decline in attendance among these students, with more than half of the principals acknowledging the trend.

“(Students) from immigrant families missed school due to policies or political rhetoric related to immigrants,” the report elucidated.

Furthermore, the survey revealed troubling patterns of bullying within these institutions. More than 35% of schools reported bullying incidents, with some students reportedly facing taunts such as “Can I see your papers?” and “Go back home.” Jennifer Duran, principal of a mid-sized high school in Texas, noted a shift in student experiences, stating, “We had some students that reported that some of their peers were saying, ‘Go home, you don’t belong here.’ And that hadn’t been their experience before—until this administration.”

In response to these challenges, a significant number of schools have implemented measures to support immigrant families and their children. Many have developed contingency plans for potential visits from federal agents, and nearly half of the schools surveyed have trained staff to better assist students from immigrant backgrounds.

“I probably dealt with seven or eight staff breaking down in tears about a student or … a worry or fear,” explained Deborah Stewart, a principal from California, shedding light on the emotional toll these issues exert on educators as well.

The survey underscores a pressing need for ongoing support and policy reconsideration to foster safe and inclusive environments for all students in U.S. public high schools.