Drop in Graduation Rates for Hispanic and Multilanguage Learners Linked to Immigration Enforcement Impact, Officials Say

Maryland’s overall high school graduation rate for the class of 2025 decreased by one percentage point from the previous year. Education officials attribute this decline mainly to lower graduation rates among Hispanic students and multilanguage learners, citing heightened immigration enforcement activity as a significant factor.

According to Maryland State Superintendent Carey Wright, the graduation rate fell from 87.6% in 2024 to 86.4% in 2025. The drop largely reflects a 4.4% decrease for Hispanic students and a 5.5% decrease for multilanguage learners, groups that have been notably impacted by recent immigration enforcement measures.

Impact of Immigration Enforcement on Schools

Josh Michael, Maryland’s school board president, explicitly linked the graduation rate decline to increased political tensions and immigration enforcement presence within school communities. Michael described the drop as “unprecedented” in scale for such a large student subgroup, emphasizing this as a unique year-over-year reduction in academic outcomes.

Data indicates that Hispanic students comprise approximately 24% of Maryland’s student population. Michael stressed that current figures represent only the early impact, noting that ongoing and heightened ICE enforcement actions could exacerbate these education trends in the future.

Contrasting Graduation Rate Trends in Other Student Groups

While Hispanic and multilanguage learner graduation rates fell, other traditionally underserved groups saw improvements. Graduation rates for Black students, special education students, and lower-income students increased, marking a shift toward narrowing longstanding academic disparities in Maryland’s schools.

Tim Guy, Maryland’s Assistant State Superintendent, pointed out that the class of 2025 was the first cohort to experience four full uninterrupted years of in-person schooling following the COVID-19 pandemic. The graduating class was the largest in recent years, totaling 72,702 students.

Engagement with Immigration Officials

In efforts to address concerns, the interim director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Baltimore Field Office recently met with Maryland school superintendents. During the meeting, superintendents raised issues about ICE staging enforcement activities near schools. The ICE director responded affirmatively, promising to investigate and mitigate enforcement staging near educational facilities.

Requests for further comment from the Baltimore Field Office remain unanswered. Officials continue to monitor these interactions as they balance immigration enforcement with community and educational needs.

Focus on Montgomery County’s Graduation Rates

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Maryland’s largest district, recorded a graduation rate of 88.7% for the 2025 cohort. While above the statewide average, this rate declined from 91.8% in 2024, with English language learners experiencing the largest percentage drop in graduation rates.

Superintendent Thomas Taylor expressed concern but noted the district had made gains with African American students, students with disabilities, and those eligible for Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs). Taylor stated there is no direct evidence linking the decline to political climates or ICE actions but acknowledged the need to investigate these correlations further.

MCPS has the highest proportion of English-language learners and newcomers in Maryland, making shifts in graduation rates particularly concerning. The district is actively implementing the Future Ready Strategic Plan, which aims to improve performance and close achievement gaps among diverse student groups.

Support for Immigrant Families in Maryland

Montgomery County schools have developed resources to assist immigrant families amid these challenges. District officials emphasize their commitment to supporting students during this difficult period. Superintendent Taylor affirmed, “We want our families to know that we stand with our students,” highlighting the district’s focus on inclusivity and academic equity moving forward.

The evolving dynamics of immigration enforcement in Maryland schools illustrate an urgent need for coordinated approaches that prioritize student wellbeing and educational attainment. State and local education leaders continue to address these challenges as they strive to ensure equitable outcomes for all students.