ICE raids and the threat of ICE actions continue to stoke fear – and response – in schools, students and families.
- “My Hispanic students are pretty terrified right now. … Children should not have to go through this kind of stress.” —Teacher in Oregon
- “I have three students in my class from Haiti. I found out yesterday that their protected status is being revoked and they have two weeks to leave the US. These kids are seniors, they all have jobs and are just out here to survive. Now they are forced to go back to Haiti where they said it’s not safe for them. I wanted to see them graduate, now they’ll never be able to walk across the stage. I’ve been crying for hours yesterday but there’s nothing I can do about it.” —Secondary Teacher
- “[A family] lived in a house on the same road as a home ICE had a warrant for. The fact that ICE went door to door is unfathomable. The fact that our students were handcuffed and put into the same van as the alleged criminal from down the street is unconscionable. When I think of my third grader’s experience, my stomach twists and it is hard to breathe.” —School Administrator in New York (source)
- “If you work at a school and don’t know your school’s policies on how to handle immigration enforcement at the school, find out. If they don’t have a policy, make them make one. Make sure you know how to protect your students.” —Educator in Washington
- “At least one of my students has gone back to Mexico because her mom would rather leave than have ICE deport her. It’s so very sad…” —Secondary Teacher
- “Above all else, our promise to families remains the same—New York City Public Schools is committed to serving every student, regardless of immigration status, national origin, or religion. We encourage all parents to have their students continue to attend school.” —Leader in New York