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Since the initiation of the Memphis Safe Task Force’s operations, there has been a noticeable decrease in school attendance, according to data obtained by The CA. The task force, which has been accused by community advocates of disproportionately targeting immigrant communities, began its operations in Memphis on September 29. The attendance data, which spans from October 1 to November 6 for the years 2023 to 2025, reveals a 2% decrease in attendance for English language learners and Hispanic or Latino students. Despite these decreases, white and Hispanic students are still attending school at a higher rate than their Black counterparts. However, every demographic group has seen a decrease in attendance from the years prior. The Memphis School Board Chairwoman, Natalie McKinney, expressed concern over the data, stating that it confirms speculations of the task force’s presence impacting low-income and minority communities. Read More…