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2w ago

New Report Links ICE Arrest Surge to Child Care Staffing Losses and Mothers Leaving Work

A New America analysis finds heightened immigration enforcement has destabilized child care supply, constraining parents’ ability to stay employed.

Celenia Romero reads to her Prek-5 students in the library at CentroNia in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Families leave CentroNia at the end of the school day in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Celenia Romero reads to her Prek-5 students as they play in the library at CentroNia in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Flor Perez encourages her class of 2-year-olds in a walk around the school in lieu of outdoor walks around the neighborhood during school time at CentroNia in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Overview

  • A New America/Better Life Lab study estimates about 39,000 fewer foreign-born child care workers and roughly 77,000 fewer U.S. mothers of preschoolers in the workforce since January 2025.
  • Researchers tie these declines to a jump in ICE arrests that more than tripled from just over 8,300 in December 2024 to above 29,000 in June 2025.
  • The administration rescinded prior limits on enforcement near schools and day cares, and DHS defended agents after a teacher was detained at a Chicago preschool.
  • Providers report canceled outings, lockdowns and rising anxiety among staff and children, while some immigrant educators move from centers to private household jobs to stay less visible.
  • Federal data compiled by outside researchers show more than 225,000 ICE arrests in 2025, about one-third involving people without criminal convictions, as TPS rollbacks and other changes cost some educators their work authorization.