Joint statement from the presidents of the National Education Association and Mississippi Association of Educators in response to ICE raids in Mississippi

WASHINGTON - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out massive raids in Mississippi yesterday, detaining hundreds of workers and parents and leaving children behind. The timing of the raids coincided with the first day of school in the Magnolia State. NEA President Lily Eskelsen García and Erica Jones, President of the Mississippi Association of Educators, issued the following statement.

“On the heels of the deadly attacks in Texas and Ohio, ICE conducted unprovoked raids on our students, their families and immigrant communities in Mississippi, raising fear and anxiety to new levels. As educators, we are outraged that ICE carried out these unconscionable raids on the first day of school, causing chaos and separating families. We feel their angst and pain. The trauma these students are enduring is inconceivable. The effect the raids will have on their long-term mental and emotional health is profound. We condemn these raids.

“Our hearts ache for the students, families, educators, and communities affected. We remain committed to fighting back against these unprovoked attacks, supporting those impacted, and calling out the harm of this administration’s heartless immigration policies on our nation’s children.

“It's time to #StopTheRaids. It’s time to #KeepFamiliesTogether.” 

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