(WNN) Woodbury – The recent change in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy by the new administration in Washington D.C. has prompted local school districts to decide on their plan of action.
The Department of Homeland Security announced on January 21 that ICE agents will now be able to arrest people in schools. The announcement ends a Biden administration guideline preventing ICE raids in “sensitive” locations — like schools, churches, and hospitals.
Woodbury News Net contacted Independent School Districts 622, 833 and 834, all of which have students residing in Woodbury.
In an email, North St. Paul – Maplewood – Oakdale (ISD 622) Superintendent, Christine Tucci Osorio stated, “Thank you for your attention to this important issue. We have received a number of calls and emails from staff and families concerned about potential impacts of recent federal changes. In response, we have hosted several large and small group meetings with administrators, district families, and with students in our adult education programs.”
ISD 622 also shared a memo to district staff regarding Immigration Questions regarding access to students. The memo stated that typically, the District does not allow any law enforcement entity to meet with or question students during the school day about non-school related matters. This general practice may be waived in extenuating circumstances. (i.e. there is a health and safety concern). Additionally, an exception would be made when law enforcement has a court ordered arrest or search warrant.
Guidance for Staff in light of the change in policy that ICE agents will now be able to arrest people in schools:
School administrators are advised to reach out to the Assistant Superintendents in the event of such a visit so that we can seek legal advice as needed.
School employees should take adequate steps to ensure the safety of children whose parents are detained; such as ensuring students are released to emergency contacts, relatives, or persons the child can identify.
In short, we want to ensure children are not left alone and are supported regardless of immigration status.
Again, school administrators are directed to reach out to their Assistant Superintendents for legal guidance in the event of an unplanned event related to immigration.
In response to WNN’s query Julie Nielsen, superintendent of South Washington County School District (ISD 833), stated, “Our process for accessing students while at school remains the same. Any visitors/guests must check in at the office and state the reason for their visit. Should an ICE officer enter one of our schools, they would be asked to wait. As you may be aware, there is very limited Directory Information that they would have access to and that we could release. Schools would only need to comply should a judicial warrant be issued and signed by a judge.
Our leaders have received communication from our district legal counsel, and we will continue to train front line staff on how to handle a situation should someone enter with the intent to take a student. I would also add that resources are available should families reach out and have questions.”
Carissa Keister, Chief of Staff/ Executive Director of Communications for Stillwater Area Public Schools (ISD 834) stated in an email that “ISD 834 continues to follow existing district procedures and state law to support our students and families. In response to new federal migration policies, we are sharing resources with our staff and providing support to families as needed. As always, our focus is on ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education in a safe and inclusive learning environment.”
