In Sudbury, it is easy for a lot of us to feel like we live in a bubble—safe, comfortable, and removed from the struggles that impact communities just a few miles away. Most go to school, play sports, and hang out with friends without worrying about whether our families will still be together tomorrow. But just 15 to 20 minutes down the road, in towns like Marlborough, Framingham, and Lynn, students are missing school out of fear. Some families have packed up and left overnight. Others live with the constant anxiety that an ICE raid could turn their world upside down.
In Marlborough, concerns over ICE activity led to a sharp increase in student absences, with some families keeping their children home to avoid the risk of separation. Framingham schools have reported similar trends, with nearly a quarter of students missing school in response to rumors of ICE operations. In Lynn, parents have spoken out about the overwhelming fear their children experience just walking into school, unsure of what might happen next.
In response, school districts have had to take action. Marlborough launched a “Know Your Rights” program to educate students on what to do if approached by ICE. Worcester’s school system now refuses to allow ICE agents into buildings without a criminal judicial warrant. Massachusetts state officials have reinforced laws preventing schools from sharing students’ personal information without parental consent.
These efforts are critical, but they don’t erase the fear that many students face every day. And while it may seem like these issues don’t affect us here in Sudbury, they are unfolding in the towns we drive through, the schools some of our friends attend, and the communities that are deeply connected to our own. Staying silent or unaware only strengthens the divide between us and those who are struggling.
What Can We Do?
- Stay Informed – Learn about the policies affecting immigrant families and share what you know.
- Support Local Organizations – Volunteer or donate to groups that provide legal aid and resources to affected families.
- Speak Up – Advocate for inclusive policies, check in on classmates, and create a welcoming community.
We can’t afford to ignore what’s happening just beyond our town lines. The reality is, these challenges are close to home, and that means we have a responsibility to pay attention, speak up, and stand with our neighbors.
