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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — State education leaders are asking school administrations to plan ahead in case immigration officials show up at their buildings.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to allow U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and/or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to undergo actions like arrests in “sensitive areas” like schools, daycares, and churches. This reverses a policy from 2011.
The Illinois State Board of Education published non-regulatory guidance Thursday with steps to help schools respond if federal immigration officials arrive on their property.
The State Superintendent believes students deserve the right to public education, no matter their or their parent’s immigration status, and schools need to protect all students in their buildings.
“ISBE firmly believes that schools should be a safe haven for all students, where students should be able to learn without fear,” State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said in a statement. “We can and should do everything within our power to protect our students and their right to learn while in our care. I advise every district to take the necessary steps outlined above to prepare to respond to immigration enforcement action.”
Some recommendations include making clear administrative guidance and policies in the different levels of and delegating a point person like a legal counsel, superintendent or chief executive officer for ICE to contact and review records requests. Officials should also share and train all on-campus faculty and staff on the district policies, ISBE advised.
District leaders should also go over data-sharing policies, making sure they are up to date and shared with faculty, staff and any third-party contractors who access student data.
Finally, schools should have policies to prepare if a student’s parent or guardian is detained or deported. Officials should also communicate with families to keep emergency contacts updated and accurate.
Under Illinois’ TRUST Act, signed into law by Republican governor Bruce Rauner, it’s illegal for any Illinois law enforcement official to assist ICE or a different federal agency in enforcing immigration actions. Additionally, school districts are barred against asking about a family’s citizenship status when establishing residency.
More guidance is available on ISBE’s website, including Know Your Rights resources from multiple immigrant advocacy organizations.