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Jose, who asked that his last name not be used in fear of retaliation, has three children attending Burke County Public Schools, two in elementary school and one in high school.

On Jan. 20, then-Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman rescinded guidelines that discouraged immigration officers from taking action in sensitive areas such as schools, churches and hospitals. Since, Jose has been worried about what it could mean for families like his.

“As parents, of course, we’re worried,� Jose said. “I’m Puerto Rican so with that being a U.S. territory, I’m a legal resident of the United States going back decades. But my concern is an ICE agent is going to see a Hispanic-looking name and not really think twice about it and then detain me or one of my children for an indeterminate amount of time until they decide to release me.�

Jose’s isn’t the only one worried.

Dillon Sain, director of student and family services for Burke County Public Schools, said attendance was 83% district wide on Monday. Cheryl Shuffler, public relations officer for the district, said attendance is usually 90% or better district wide.

Across the country on Monday, some participated in Day Without Immigrants protests. Children stayed home from school, businesses closed and some missed a day of work with the intention of showing the value of immigrants, according to the Associated Press.

After the noticeable drop in attendance, Burke County Public Schools sent families a letter on Monday. The district told parents student records are confidential. The letter also said school officials will ask ICE agents for documentation, including warrants, before allowing access to a student.

“We will not share confidential student information with immigration officials unless legally required to do so, such as by a court-ordered warrant,� the letter said. “We are required to comply with and follow all state and/or federal laws as well as lawful orders from law enforcement.�

The district said school employees will tell ICE agents they cannot give permission or parental consent for agents to speak to students and will notify the superintendent and legal counsel. But if any law enforcement officer, including an ICE agent, commands a school employee to produce a child, the employee will comply.

The letter encouraged families to know their rights, make sure schools have updated emergency contact information and seek legal guidance if they have concerns.

“We are all-in for your students, no matter the nationality,� Sain said. “We want to educate every student, it doesn’t matter immigrant or non-immigrant. We don’t even check immigration status upon enrollment. We’re here for your kid. We want your students to feel safe at our schools and feel comfortable. We want our parents to feel safe and comfortable sending their kids to our schools.�

Lannie Simpson, director of the English learner department, said she thought it was important for families to know the school district supports them.

“My teachers are the greatest bridge and the strongest bond to immigrant families and we are committed to supporting them, and of course, at the same time, following the law,� Simpson said.

She said she believed most of the absences Monday stemmed from families participating in the nationwide Day Without Immigrants protest. She said attendance seemed to bounce back Tuesday.

“We feel being in school is one of the best places for a kid,� Sain said. “I know education, they’ve got their friends, support system in place, other relationships with teachers, their students, school counselors, their SROs. Schools are families to us. I want kids to be in school to be educated, one, but also we feed them, we care for them, and it’s just a good place for a kid to be. We feel like we’re a safe place for students.�

Shuffler said there have been no reports of ICE agents at any Burke County Public Schools.

Jose said he’s glad the school district sent out the letter, but he still has concerns about ICE activity in schools.

“No child should have to go through that, even ones who aren’t legal residents,� Jose said. “School should be a place of safety, of learning. The 14th Amendment exists. … Holding children hostage to attempt to entrap parents seems really un-American to me.�

The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants citizenship to people born or naturalized in the U.S.

Johanna Sanchez, whose parents are Colombian, was protesting immigration policy changes in downtown ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ on Tuesday around noon.

“I hear a lot of getting the criminals and the drugs out, and I agree with that and I’m for that, but we’re looking at schools for drugs and criminals? Kids?� Sanchez said. “That’s what doesn’t make sense to me. It’s kind of bothering and it’s kind of scary.�

She said she is surprised more people aren’t angry about it.

“I thought we were always about protecting the kids. I thought that’s all it is,� Sanchez said. “It makes no sense.�