Know Your Rights if ICE Raids Your School
Learn How Your School Should Respond
The Danger
The Policies:
Since taking office, the Trump administration has rescinded a policy against federal immigration agencies making arrests in “sensitive locations” including churches, hospitals and schools.
This opens up schools as potential locations for immigration enforcement (ICE), and threatening teachers and students.
The Impact:
With California home to nearly 11 million immigrants, the policy changes immediately sparked fears among undocumented families, and some of those families have started pulling their children out of school.
Teachers have noted 10-16 students absent per classroom.
California’s Response
California Attorney General Rob Bonta Stated
California’s schools are and will remain a welcoming, inclusive and safe place for all, regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity or immigration status.
Reiterated a slate of guidance for school leaders who may be faced with federal immigration enforcement actions at their schools (see guidance below).
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho
Stated LAUSD would “stand by our values” that schools are and should be “safe places.”
The district is collaborating with Bonta’s office, with city and county entities and with community based organizations to ensure schools remain safe.
Guidance to School Admin
Make copies or notes of the immigration officers’ credentials, and any documentation they can provide as to their authorization for accessing a school.
School officials “should not consent to access by an immigration enforcement officer unless he/she declares exigent circumstances or has a signed federal judicial warrant.”
They also should “not attempt to physically impede an officer, even if he/she appears to lack authorization to enter.”
School officials should notify parents as soon as possible of any such enforcement on their school campus, and inform Bonta’s office.
Empower school staff by creating and practicing response protocols that trains staff on what to do if ICE shows up.
Guidance on Warrants
ICE Agents may try to use internal documents titled “Warrant” from the Department of Homeland Security as a proof of a warrant, but this does not grant them access. Only judicial warrants from a courthouse judge’s signature allow ICE agents to enter the school.
Visit the ACLU’s website to view an in-depth guide on what to look out for on warrants:
Student Guidance
Don’t open the door if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
Don’t answer any questions from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you.
You have the right to remain silent.
Don't sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer.
You have the right to an attorney.
If an ICE agent approaches you outside of your home, ask if you are free to leave, if they say yes, leave calmly.
Educator Guidance
Before an ICE raid
Make it clear to students that your classroom and school are safe spaces for all students.
Do not inquire or make assumptions about students’ immigration status.
Create Red Cards for your classroom (visit ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas to download printable red cards in multiple languages).
During an ICE raid
Immediately refer ICE agents to the district office or administrator’s office.
Call United We Dream’s hotline (844-363-1423) to report a raid and send a text to 877877.
If possible, take photos and videos, and notes on what happened during the raid.
Red Card Statement Examples
I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.
I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.
I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.
Visit ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas to download printable red cards in multiple languages
Resources
If you believe your rights have been violated or fear for your immigration status, please contact your local CAIR office. CAIR’s legal department provides high-quality, free civil rights and immigration services to students.
Visit ca.cair.com/legal-services/immigrants-rights/ to request an appointment with a member of the legal team.
