Chicago Schools Allow Excused Absences for Undocumented Students Amid Immigration Protests

November 30, 2025
Chicago Schools Allow Excused Absences for Undocumented Students Amid Immigration Protests
  • Protests have erupted outside the ICE detention facility in Broadview, a Chicago suburb, including a September confrontation involving a political candidate who pleaded not guilty to obstruction charges.

  • Context on broader immigration enforcement in the era, including a Chicago-area operation that resulted in hundreds of arrests, many of whom had non-criminal histories, according to cited sources.

  • CPS budget documents indicate the district received about $1.7 billion in federal funding in fiscal year 2024.

  • A Chicago public school policy allows undocumented students to receive excused absences if a parent notes fear of federal immigration authorities, with no time limit on the excuse.

  • Excused absences can also be granted for student health and safety, with the memo box not requiring additional details to protect confidentiality.

  • Excused absences can be granted via signed note, phone call, or electronic form, and guardians can be designated if a parent is affected by a federal immigration raid.

Summary based on 1 source


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