In a controversial policy shift, former President Donald Trump authorized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enter sensitive locations, including schools, to carry out immigration enforcement. This move sparked widespread concern among educators, parents, and immigrant communities.

Trump’s ICE Crackdown on Schools

According to an AP News report, the Trump administration pushed for more aggressive immigration enforcement, eliminating previous guidelines that largely restricted ICE from operating in schools, churches, and hospitals.

One particularly alarming quote from the article highlights the shift:

“There are no protected places anymore,” said an immigration advocate. “Families are terrified, and schools are struggling to reassure students that they are safe.”

This policy raised concerns about the psychological toll on students, many of whom feared that their parents could be taken away at any moment.

Know Your Rights: How to Protect Your Family

Despite these policies, families still have legal protections. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) provides a toolkit outlining key steps that parents, students, and educators can take to ensure safety and preparedness in case of an ICE raid.

1. Schools Can Still Refuse Entry to ICE

• Schools are not legally required to allow ICE agents onto their campuses without a judicial warrant (not just an ICE-issued administrative warrant).
• Staff should be trained on how to respond if ICE arrives.

2. Families Should Create an Emergency Plan

• Identify a trusted adult who can care for children if parents are detained.
• Prepare a Family Preparedness Plan, including power of attorney for child custody decisions.

3. Students Have Rights

• Students do not have to answer questions about their immigration status if approached by ICE.
• Schools should maintain confidentiality and avoid sharing personal information with immigration officials.

The AFT Toolkit provides detailed resources, including emergency contact forms, legal assistance, and guidance for school administrators.

Immigration Advocates & Resources

If you or someone you know is at risk of detention or deportation, these organizations offer legal help, advocacy, and emergency support:

Legal Assistance & Know-Your-Rights Resources

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Immigrants’ Rights Project
  Website | Provides legal support and advocacy for immigrants facing deportation.
• National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
  Website | Focuses on defending the rights of low-income immigrants.
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
  Website | Offers legal resources and training for immigrants and advocates.
• United We Dream
  Website | The largest immigrant youth-led network providing resources and deportation defense.
• RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)
  Website | Provides free and low-cost legal services for immigrants.

Emergency Hotlines & Support

• National Immigration Detention Hotline – Call (209) 757-3733 for help finding detained family members.
• United We Dream Deportation Defense Hotline – Call (844) 363-1423 for emergency support.

Education & Community Support

• American Federation of Teachers (AFT) – Protecting Our Students Toolkit
  Toolkit PDF | Guide for schools and families on responding to ICE enforcement.
• National Education Association (NEA) – Safe Schools for Immigrants
  Website | Resources for educators to support immigrant students.

Moving Forward

The fear and uncertainty surrounding immigration enforcement in schools remain a pressing issue. Educators, parents, and students can take proactive steps to protect their communities, ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for learning—not places of fear.

For more information, access the full AFT guide here.