By Robert Jordan, Founder of SITE|SAFETYNET℠
ICE in Schools: Understanding Policies & School Safety Measures. School safety is at the forefront of national discussions, and recent policy changes regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in schools have sparked concerns among educators, parents, and administrators. At SITE|SAFETYNET℠, we provide schools with real-time safety assessment tools to help them strengthen their security measures and emergency preparedness. While we do not offer protocols or policies regarding ICE, we support schools in evaluating their overall safety infrastructure.
The Role of ICE in Schools & Policy Changes
Since the revocation of the 2011 directive that prevented ICE from making arrests in “sensitive locations” such as schools, there has been an increase in concerns over the role of immigration enforcement on campus. While federal officials argue that this policy aims to strengthen national security, education leaders warn that it may create an atmosphere of fear among students and their families.
How School Districts Are Responding
Several states and school districts have issued guidelines to protect students and provide clear procedures for handling ICE interactions. Here are a few notable examples:
- Massachusetts Attorney General’s Guidance: Schools should notify the superintendent, guardians, and legal counsel immediately before engaging with ICE agents. Schools are advised to withhold student information unless presented with a valid judicial warrant.
- New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Policy: ICE agents are not allowed entry unless legally required. Schools must escalate any request to legal counsel before providing access or information.
- Denver Public Schools Guidance: Schools are directed to deny entry to government officials unless a valid warrant is presented. If ICE or other officials arrive, staff should place the school on a secure perimeter lockdown and notify legal representatives.
These measures highlight how different districts are addressing the issue. While we do not provide legal or policy guidance related to ICE, SITE|SAFETYNET℠ helps schools assess their safety infrastructure to ensure they are prepared for various emergency scenarios.
How SITE|SAFETYNET℠ Supports Schools
Our real-time school safety platform provides schools with critical assessment tools, enabling them to:
- Evaluate their existing safety policies and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Develop crisis response plans for various emergencies.
- Train staff and school resource officers on general emergency preparedness.
- Provide emergency communication tools to inform parents and guardians in real-time.
Student Safety & Legal Considerations
Schools are responsible for protecting student information under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Districts should ensure:
- No student records or personally identifiable information (PII) are shared without parental consent.
- Legal counsel is consulted before any engagement with ICE agents.
- Families have access to preparedness plans in case of emergencies.
Moving Forward: Keeping Schools Safe & Informed
At SITE|SAFETYNET℠, we emphasize proactive safety measures rather than reactive policies. We aim to ensure that schools remain places of learning, security, and support for every student. We encourage school administrators to integrate real-time safety assessments into emergency preparedness plans to strengthen security.
For more information on how SITE|SAFETYNET℠ can support your district’s safety initiatives, visit our website.
Navigating ICE Concerns in Schools: Guidance for School Districts and Leaders