A local school board member in Vancouver, Washington, has sounded the alarm over the impact of a renewed federal immigration enforcement operation on local school-aged families.

According to reporting by The Columbian, about 86 families in the Vancouver Public Schools district are believed to have been directly affected, and students are reportedly anxious and fearful.

At this time, neither Vancouver Public Schools nor district officials have issued a public statement confirming the number of families impacted. The Columbian’s report attributes the figure to a school board member’s comments.

While the precise timing, nature, and location of the enforcement actions are not specified, the situation aligns with a growing pattern of heightened federal immigration enforcement activities across the country—especially near or around schools—and the resulting educational and emotional disruption for students.

For context, Vancouver Public Schools reaffirmed in February 2025 its policies limiting federal immigration enforcement on campus, citing Washington State Attorney General model guidance. Those policies require federal agents to present a court order or judicial warrant and coordinate with district officials before accessing school property. Staff and trusted volunteers are restricted from collecting immigration information from students, and any such request is presumed to be for enforcement purposes and must be reviewed by legal counsel. These rules were restated following executive orders expanding enforcement near schools. According to reporting by OPB, Vancouver officials took special action to reassure families that students have a right to a non-disruptive education regardless of immigration status. (OPB, February 2025)

Meanwhile, the City of Vancouver itself issued a formal statement in January 2026 condemning aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics. Council members cited the impact on public safety, mental health, and economic stability. The City reaffirmed its commitment to the “Keep Washington Working” law, which restricts civil immigration enforcement from accessing local spaces or data absent judicial warrants. (Hoodline, January 2026)

Why this matters locally now:

  • If confirmed, the disruption of these 86 families constitutes one of the most significant local impacts of federal immigration enforcement in recent memory for southwest Washington.
  • Vancouver Public Schools’ assurances may not be sufficient if enforcement is occurring off‑campus—in neighborhoods or during transportation—prompting broader anxiety that undermines trust in school safety.
  • This development highlights that existing protections—even with district policy and city resistance—may not prevent broader community fear or displacement, revealing gaps between legal frameworks and lived experience.

Next steps: Verification of the figure, mechanism, and timeline is essential. We will seek comment from Vancouver Public Schools and local elected officials to clarify whether enforcement occurred in school settings, off-campus, or elsewhere within school communities. We will also monitor whether any state or legal mechanisms, such as the Family Separation Rapid Response Team or interventions by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, are being activated to support affected families.

Until we have confirmation, the scope of disruption and response remains provisional, though the reported impact underscores the urgent need for clarity and accountability at the local level.

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