For some Hillsboro families, immigration enforcement is creating uncertainty far beyond the home — and local schools could feel the impact.

At least 1,500 of the 1,980 immigration arrests in Oregon from 2025 through the first three months of 2026 happened in the Portland metro area, according to the Deportation Data Project. As the region’s largest school districts serve many immigrant families, officials are watching for possible effects on attendance, enrollment and state funding.

The Hillsboro School District does not have data showing how immigration enforcement has affected its students, but the district’s budget depends heavily on enrollment. Oregon’s school funding formula is based on Average Daily Membership, meaning fewer students can translate into fewer state dollars.

HSD has already faced the financial impact of declining enrollment. The district lost more than $4 million in state funding adjustments for the 2022-23 school year after enrollment dropped.

Federal immigration requests to Oregon law enforcement increased sharply over the past year. The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission recorded 329 requests between June 2025 and May 2026, up 246% from the previous year.

The increase followed the Trump administration’s January 2025 decision to end federal restrictions limiting immigration enforcement near schools, churches and hospitals.

Across the country, researchers have found that increased enforcement activity can affect schools. Studies have linked immigration raids with higher absenteeism, including a 22% increase in student absences in several California districts following enforcement actions.

Immigration concerns have surfaced publicly in Hillsboro. In November 2025, a Hillsboro student spoke at a City Council meeting about families affected by ICE arrests, drawing national attention. Students also addressed immigration enforcement at a Hillsboro School District board meeting in February.

The district has not released attendance or enrollment data tied to immigration concerns.

Oregon lawmakers approved new protections this year. House Bill 4079 requires school districts to create procedures for responding to verified immigration enforcement actions on campus by Sept. 30. Senate Bill 1538 adds immigration status as a protected category under state education anti-discrimination law.

Meanwhile, Hillsboro schools are entering a challenging budget cycle. The district’s 2026-27 budget began July 1 as officials continue managing rising costs, including retirement expenses and other operational pressures.

The Hillsboro School Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday for its annual organizational meeting.