Tens of thousands of US schoolchildren face deportation: what schools are doing

Schools across the country are rethinking what to do if immigration agents show up to inspect them, as President-elect Donald Trump takes office after campaigning on a promise to deport millions of people, including children, reports Associated Press.

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In major cities, school systems are defending the rights of immigrants to education regardless of their legal status and saying they will not cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. In California, officials this week issued guidance to schools limiting their involvement in immigration checks in accordance with state law.

“I know many people are concerned about the new administration’s proposed immigration policy changes,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “I want to make sure students, parents, teachers and school administrators are prepared for these situations.”

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The 54-page guide outlines federal and state protections for students and procedures for responding to law enforcement requests, from providing documents to interviewing students.

Discussions about the level of cooperation between schools and immigration officials date back to the first Trump administration, when schools like those in Chicago took a strong stance against such cooperation.

While ICE agents have traditionally avoided making arrests in schools and other “sensitive locations” (such as those providing medical care or shelter), Trump’s rhetoric on immigration has raised renewed concerns about these rules.

California officials stressed: "While the policy protecting such sites remains in effect, it may be changed or revoked at any time without notice."

As a result, educational institutions are advised to have a plan in place to deal with law enforcement requests for access to the school or students.

Educators are trying to reassure immigrant families that their children will be safe and continue to learn. School districts like Des Moines, Iowa, where one in four students is learning English as a second language, acknowledge that fear of deportation can negatively impact children’s attendance and learning.

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In Chicago, the school board passed a resolution not recognizing ICE in schools and requiring a warrant to enter their premises. In New York, school principals were reminded of a policy prohibiting the collection of data on students’ immigration status.

Similar measures are being taken in smaller areas like the Northern District of Vermont, where outside law enforcement is required to show warrants to interact with students.

"We want kids to feel safe and know that school is a place where we put their best interests first," said Chris Young, the principal of one of the local schools.

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