Schools nationwide are actively considering protocols in response to possible visits from immigration officials, as President-elect Donald Trump gears up for his inauguration following a campaign that focused on the deportation of millions.
Many major urban school districts have begun advocating for the rights of immigrant students to receive education, irrespective of their legal standing in the country, and assert that they will not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. In California specifically, state officials recently issued guidelines aimed at helping schools navigate existing laws that restrict local cooperation with immigration enforcement measures.
California’s Attorney General Bonta acknowledged the prevalent fear surrounding the expected shifts in immigration policy under the new administration. He expressed a desire for all stakeholders—students, parents, teachers, and administrators—to be well-informed and prepared for potential changes.
The comprehensive 54-page guide from California delineates both state and federal protections afforded to students, including recommended protocols for how schools should respond to law enforcement requests, which may involve documents or interviews with students.
During Trump’s previous term, many school districts, including those in Chicago, engaged in discussions about the extent of cooperation with immigration authorities. Some chose to assert their opposition to enforcement measures within schools.
ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents have historically followed guidelines that discourage arresting individuals at schools or other sensitive locations, which provide essential services such as healthcare and food. However, the possibilities raised during Trump’s campaign have led to renewed conversations about the future of these policies.
The guidance from California emphasized the importance of being adaptable, noting that while protective policies are currently in place, they can be altered, superseded, or revoked without notice. Consequently, local educational institutions are urged to prepare for potential inquiries or requests for access from law enforcement regarding students for immigration-related reasons.
Despite attempts to reach out, representatives from the Trump transition team have not yet commented on the ongoing discussions. According to the Migration Policy Institute, there are approximately 733,000 school-aged children in the U.S. who reside illegally.
In response to concerns among immigrant families, many educators are stepping up to reassure these families that their children will be safe in schools. For instance, in Des Moines, Iowa—where one in four students is an English language learner—the public school system highlighted in a recent statement the negative impact that fear of deportation has on student welfare and academic performance. They reiterated a previous resolution from 2017 that restricts communication with ICE agents to the school superintendent.
Similarly, the Chicago Public Schools’ Board of Education passed a measure last November stating that schools would not aid ICE in enforcing immigration laws and that agents would need a criminal warrant to enter school premises. In New York City, school leaders were reminded of policies prohibiting the gathering of students’ immigration statuses.
Chris Young, a principal in Vermont, reported that his district has a long-standing requirement for law enforcement to present a warrant before they can access students. “When students are concerned about the potential deportation of their parents or themselves, this is a significant concern for us,” said Young, who serves as both the principal of North County Union High School and the incoming president of the Vermont Principals Association.
“We want our students to view their school as a safe haven, and we are committed to enhancing our policies regarding the presence of outsiders in our schools,” he added, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the needs of students.
