Public school districts across the state and region are addressing how to protect a student’s safety if federal immigration officials enter school grounds. This comes in response to a Trump administration directive that no longer prohibits immigration authorities from entering schools, churches and healthcare facilities to make arrests.
On Jan. 28, the Connecticut State Department of Education released guidelines every K-12 public school district should follow regarding immigration enforcement activities to ensure it is in compliance with state and federal laws.
The guidelines include requesting and recording immigration agents’ identification, including their name, badge or ID number, telephone number and business card; asking agents if they have a judicial warrant to support their request and, if so, to produce one, and designating a school official as the point person for requests and visits by agents.
Superintendent Jason McKinnon of the Easton, Redding and Region 9 Schools said the district was awaiting guidance from the state Department of Education on what to do if ICE agents attempt to enter any of the district’s public schools .
“We are waiting on guidance from the state Department of Education at this time to release a statement,” said McKinnon.
Fairfield Superintendent Michael J. Testani said the school district remains steadfast in its commitment to support and protect all children.
“Regardless of immigration status, it is critical that we maintain a safe inclusive school environment in which all students can learn and succeed without bias, fear or discrimination,” he said.
While he doesn’t anticipate ICE visiting a school at this time, school administrators have been briefed about how to proceed should the unlikely situation arise.
- To further safeguard school buildings, the following protocols remain in place in the Fairfield public schools:
- All schools continue to institute closed campus protocol.
- All visitors are required to check in via the intercom. If permitted entry, they must check in with the front office. Unauthorized individuals will not be granted access.
- Students are not permitted to leave campus with anyone other than a parent or legal guardian, or with specific permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Bridgeport Interim Superintendent Royce Avery on Jan. 21 posted immigration safety guidelines on the district website and provided detailed steps to follow if a government official, including ICE agents, arrives at one of the city schools. First, using the intercom to communicate with the official, staff must secure the premises. If necessary, staff are instructed to lock all exterior doors to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure the safety of students and staff.
Staff are then told to meet the ICE officer at the school entrance, where all visitors are screened prior to entry, and request the officer’s name, badge/ID number and reason for the visit.
Upon arrival, staff are instructed to immediately contact the superintendent’s offices so they can take the necessary actions. If the ICE officer does not comply with district protocol, staff are told not to physically intervene, but rather they should gather as much information as possible and notify security.
