Tucson Unified School District Closes 21 Schools Amid Staff Absences
Tucson, AZ — February 1, 2026 — Amid widespread staff absences protesting immigration enforcement, Tucson Unified School District closes 21 schools, including Tucson and Sahuaro…
Tucson Unified School District Closes 21 Schools Amid Staff Absences
Tucson, AZ — February 1, 2026 — Amid widespread staff absences protesting immigration enforcement, Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) has closed 21 schools, including Tucson and Sahuaro High Schools. The closures are a direct response to thousands of employees protesting recent immigration enforcement actions. Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo stated that the district determined it would not have enough staff to keep at least 20 of its 88 schools open. The closures have significantly impacted students and parents, leading to discussions about the balance between educational operations and social activism.
Background on the Protests
The protests began earlier this week when staff members expressed concerns over recent immigration enforcement actions in the area. Teachers, administrators, and support staff have voiced their opposition by calling in sick, leading to the unprecedented closure of multiple schools. The district has been working to address the situation, but the scale of the absences has made it challenging to maintain normal operations.
Community Reactions
Parents and students have expressed mixed feelings about the closures. Some support the staff’s right to protest, while others are concerned about the disruption to their children’s education. Community leaders are calling for open dialogue between the district, staff, and parents to find a resolution that considers the needs of all parties involved.
Looking Ahead
The district is currently assessing the situation and exploring options to resume classes as soon as possible. In the meantime, parents are encouraged to stay informed through official TUSD communications and to support their children during this period of uncertainty.
