Maryland Hispanic student enrollment declines amid immigration fears

Hispanic student enrollment in Maryland public schools has declined during the most recent school year, marking a reversal of the 4.7% average annual growth seen since the pandemic. This trend occurred despite continued growth in the state’s overall Hispanic population.

Community leaders and educators attribute this decline to increased fears regarding immigration enforcement. Reports indicate that the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in communities and near schools has created uncertainty for immigrant and Latino families. Donna Christy, president of the Prince George’s County Educators’ Association, noted that the new enrollment numbers raise serious concerns regarding the safety and protection of immigrant students.

Data from the Maryland State Department of Education also shows a drop in graduation rates among Hispanic students, which fell 4.4% between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. Similar declines were observed among English learners. Advocacy groups, including Progressive Maryland and We Are CASA, have highlighted these shifts as part of a broader struggle to protect immigrant communities and ensure access to essential services.