Immigration Law Communication

At Central 301, we are always committed to ensuring that every student and family feels safe, supported, and informed. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a policy change regarding immigration enforcement in “protected areas,” including schools. This is a complex issue that we have been learning about in real time. For several years, DHS’s policy was not to allow the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to engage in immigration enforcement actions in these protected areas, but that policy was changed on January 21, 2025, in response to Executive Orders issued by President Trump. Under the new policy, ICE has more freedom to conduct enforcement activities in protected areas, including schools, nationwide. 

Although this change in enforcement expands locations where ICE can engage in immigration enforcement, it does not expand ICE’s legal authority to gain access to students in schools or request student record information. As a result, we want you to know that ICE will not have unfettered access to interview, detain, or arrest students for immigration enforcement in D301 schools. D301 still is responsible for maintaining student confidentiality under FERPA and cannot disclose student records or student record information to ICE unless required by federal law. In most cases, ICE would need to present a signed judicial warrant or obtain parental permission before the District can or would release any student or student records to immigration officials. 

If ICE shows up at a D301 school, staff are to direct them to the main office where the Principal and/or Assistant Principal will follow steps outlined with the support of our legal counsel and district leaders.

In all situations, our priority is the safety and well-being of our students. To help us provide the best support possible, we kindly ask all families to make sure their emergency contact information is up to date in the Skyward Parent Portal. Keeping this information current allows us to reach you quickly if needed and ensures that we can connect students with their trusted contacts in any situation.

Please know that our schools will always be safe, welcoming spaces where all students can learn and thrive. For more information, please see our district website at central301.net/communityresources.