As President-elect Donald Trump, who campaigned on promises to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, prepares to take office, schools nationwide are reevaluating their response protocols in the event that immigration agents arrive on their campuses.
In major cities, school systems are standing up for the rights of immigrant students to attend school, regardless of their legal status. They have made a commitment to not assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. In California, state officials have recently provided guidance, outlining laws that restrict local involvement in immigration enforcement.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed empathy towards the concerns and unease surrounding the expected alterations in immigration policy by the incoming administration. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that students, their parents, teachers, and school administrators are well-prepared for the potential changes.
The California guide, which spans 54 pages, offers a comprehensive explanation of both state and federal protections for students. Moreover, it outlines the necessary procedures for schools to follow in the event of law enforcement requesting documents or seeking interviews with students.
During Trump’s first term, there was extensive debate surrounding the issue of school cooperation with immigration authorities. Districts like Chicago Public Schools stood firm in their opposition to providing assistance to immigration enforcement.
ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have historically followed guidelines that discourage apprehensions at schools and other sensitive locations, including medical facilities and shelters. However, Trump’s re-election and campaign rhetoric surrounding immigration have raised concerns about the future of these policies.
The California guidance highlights that the protected area policy, although currently in effect, could potentially undergo modifications, become superseded, or even be withdrawn without much prior notice. It further emphasizes the need for local educational agencies to have concrete plans in place, in the event that law enforcement officials request information or access to a school site or student for immigration-enforcement purposes.
The Trump transition team did not provide a comment when asked for a response, according to a spokesperson.
The Migration Policy Institute estimates that there are approximately 733,000 undocumented school-aged children in the United States.
Educators are actively addressing concerns to provide reassurance to immigrant families regarding the safety of their children at school. Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa recently released a statement acknowledging the profound impact fear and uncertainty, particularly regarding the potential deportation of family members, can have on students’ overall well-being, attendance, and academic progress. With one in four students being English language learners, the district has reaffirmed a resolution from 2017 that restricts interactions with ICE to the superintendent.
Chicago Public Schools made a resolution in November, affirming their stance on not aiding ICE in carrying out immigration laws. According to the resolution, agents would only be granted access to schools if they possessed a criminal warrant. In a similar vein, New York City principals were recently reminded of policies that strictly prohibit the collection of students’ immigration status.
Chris Young, the principal of North Country Union High School in Vermont and the president-elect of the Vermont Principals Association, mentioned that in his district, students’ privacy is highly valued. Therefore, outside law enforcement is required to present a warrant before accessing any student information. This policy is particularly important considering that the district serves children of migrant and farm workers, who may face unique challenges and vulnerabilities.
According to Young, ensuring the safety of students whose parents or themselves face the risk of deportation is a top priority. He emphasized the importance of letting these students know that school is a secure environment and reassured that they are taking necessary measures to enhance the policies regarding access to school premises. Young expressed their commitment to prioritize the well-being of students in all decision-making processes.