Schools Weigh Responses to Possible Immigration Raids
Fear and Uncertainty Around Immigration Policy Changes
Schools around the country are reviewing their procedures in case of immigration agents arriving on campus, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office and campaign on a pledge to deport millions of people.
California Offers Guidance to Schools on Immigration Enforcement
In several large cities, school systems are speaking up for the rights of immigrant students to attend school, regardless of their legal status, and stating they will not assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. In California, officials have issued guidance to schools on state law limiting local participation in immigration enforcement. California Attorney General Bonta emphasized, "I know there is a lot of fear and anxiety around the incoming administration’s anticipated changes to immigration policy, and I want to make sure students, their parents, and teachers and school administrators are prepared."
54-Page California Guide Outlines State and Federal Protections for Students
The 54-page California guide outlines state and federal protections for students and procedures for responding to law enforcement requests, ranging from documents to interviews with students.
How Schools are Preparing
Many communities are debating how much and whether schools should cooperate with immigration authorities during Trump’s first administration, when school systems like Chicago’s took stands against immigration enforcement.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents have long abided by guidance that discourages arresting parents or students at schools and other sensitive locations that provide access to essential services. However, Trump’s re-election and campaign rhetoric on immigration policy have sparked discussions over whether those policies will remain in place.
Schools’ Stance on Immigration Enforcement
Some schools, like Des Moines, Iowa Public Schools, have passed resolutions limiting interactions with ICE officials to the superintendent. Chicago Public Schools’ Board of Education has also passed a resolution stating that schools would not assist ICE in enforcing immigration law, and would not allow agents into schools without a criminal warrant. New York City principals were reminded of policies, including one against collecting information on a student’s immigration status.
Principal’s Concerns
Vermont principal Chris Young, whose district includes students of migrant workers and farm workers, emphasized the need for schools to prioritize student safety and well-being. "Clearly, students who are worried about their parents being deported or being deported themselves, I think, are high on our list of kids to worry about," he said. "We would like them to think that school is obviously a safe place, and we are doing everything we can to bolster our policies around who can and can’t be in the buildings."
Conclusion
As the new administration takes office, schools are taking steps to prepare for the potential changes to immigration policy. With an estimated 733,000 school-aged children in the U.S. illegally, educators are acting to address the concerns of immigrant families and assure them that their children are welcome and safe at school.
FAQs
- What is the current policy on immigration enforcement in schools?
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents have long abided by guidance that discourages arresting parents or students at schools and other sensitive locations.
- What is the stance of some schools on immigration enforcement?
- Some schools, like Des Moines, Iowa Public Schools, and Chicago Public Schools, have passed resolutions limiting interactions with ICE officials and stating they will not assist in enforcing immigration law.
- How are schools preparing for potential changes to immigration policy?
- Schools are reviewing their procedures in case of immigration agents arriving on campus, and are taking steps to address the concerns of immigrant families and assure them that their children are welcome and safe at school.
