Policy: 4300P

Section: 4000 – Community Relations

Title: Procedure - Regarding Immigration Enforcement in Schools

Status: Active

Adopted: February 12, 2025

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Procedure - Regarding Immigration Enforcement in Schools 

Purpose

This procedure provides guidance for staff within our district on managing immigration enforcement inquiries and actions on school property. It ensures the protection of the privacy and rights of students, families, and staff, aligning with federal and state laws, while fostering a supportive educational environment.

Procedure:

1.    Verification of Authority:

o   Staff approached by individuals claiming to be federal immigration authorities must direct them to the school’s principal.

o   The principal will verify the individual's credentials and the presence of a judicial warrant. The Superintendent or designated point of contact will work with legal counsel to verify the warrant.

2.    Handling Warrants and Requests:

o   Only judicial warrants that specify the required action and are issued by a court are recognized.

o   Document all encounters with immigration authorities, including the type of warrant and the identity of the officers.

3.    Protecting Information:

o   Do not release student or family information without a valid judicial warrant.

o   Do not release staff information without a valid judicial warrant.

o   Adhere to FERPA guidelines to protect the privacy of student records.

4.    Response to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Presence on Campus:

o   If ICE agents arrive on campus, immediately notify the superintendent or the designated Single Point of Contact (SPOC).

o   Inform ICE agents that the school will comply with legal requirements while prioritizing the safety and privacy of students and staff.

5.    Communication:

o   Reassure students, families, and staff of the schools commitment to their safety and privacy.

6.    Legal and Recordkeeping:

o   Keep detailed records of all interactions with ICE, including dates, times, nature of the interaction, video surveillance, and any documents presented. 

o   Ensure all actions comply with relevant laws and district policies regarding immigration enforcement.

Definitions:

 Civil Immigration Warrant: A warrant for a violation of federal civil immigration law issued by an immigration authority.

• Court Order and Judicial Warrant: Directives issued by a judge, compelling compliance and specifically authorized under applicable laws.
• De-identified Information: Information that does not directly identify an individual.
• F-1 and J-1 Visas: Visas for foreign nationals attending educational programs in the U.S.
• Federal Immigration Authority: Agents from the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other subdivisions.
• Immigration or Citizenship Status: Status under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
• Language Services: Translation and interpretation services.
• Law Enforcement Agency (LEA): State or local agencies authorized to enforce laws and manage custody facilities.
• Local Government: Governmental entities excluding the state and federal agencies.
• Notification Request: Request for notification of an individual's release from custody by federal immigration authorities.
• M-1 Visa: A visa for vocational and non-academic educational purposes.
• Personal Information: Identifiable information such as names, addresses, contact details, etc.
• Public Schools or Local Education Agency: Public educational institutions under local governing boards.
• School Resource Officer means a commissioned law enforcement officer in the state of Washington with sworn authority to uphold the law and assigned by the employing police department or sheriff ’s office to work in schools to ensure school safety.
• State Agency has the same meaning as provided in RCW 42.56.010.

 

Adoption Date: 02/12/2025

Revised: 06/13/2025