Border Patrol operations effect Central Unified attendance

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Central Unified board trustees spoke out Wednesday on protecting undocumented students.

In a release, officials stated the current actions by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have ignited fear, anxiety and confusion among the local immigrant community.

Board trustees say that, as a result of this fear and confusion, some schools have reported an increase in absences since their return from Winter Break.

The board emphasizes that their dedication and commitment is to serve every student regardless of citizenship status.

“While CBP focuses on the criminal element in the San Joaquin Valley, it is imperative that our hard-working neighbors, friends, families, and students are not collateral damage in their operations,” the statement read.

Officials say the public can trust the school district’s focus is solely on educating their students— not harassing or enforcing immigration status.