Amidst the fear of ICE raids at school, Pleasanton Unified School Districts (PUSD) stay firm in their position to protect students, regardless of immigration status.
“The school should definitely protect undocumented students because they have a right to education regardless of their citizenship status,” said Alessandra Gonzalez-Rodriguez.
On his first day of office, President Donald Trump declared the “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” executive order. This order intended to enforce the nation’s immigration laws by enabling the United States Immigration and Custom Enforcement agency (ICE) to deport undocumented immigrants in mass waves.
“We’ve always had board policies about immigration since 2007 and protection of all students, regardless of status of any sort, including immigration status,” said the Director of Student Services at PUSD Janet Gates.
Those policies, however, have been reinforced and outlined specific training for teachers and admin in case that ICE officers attempt to enter PUSD schools in search for undocumented students. In January, official policy was given to each teacher with directions about interacting with ICE officers.
“We would want the officer’s name and ID, just like we do with any visitor and get any documentation. We’d let them know that we have to notify me or the superintendent because we get legal counsel and that I would be contacting an attorney to make sure that they show an actually a valid judicial warrant,” said Gates.
Just like any law enforcement, ICE officers are still bound by the constitution and must abide by the fourth amendment which prevents unreasonable searches. This forces them to get a warrant, approved by a judge, in order to enter schools and private properties to search for undocumented immigrants to deport.
“We would ask the officers to wait outside. Administrators would contact the parent or guardian immediately after talking with me. And then if the ICE officers fail to comply, say ‘no, we’re coming in,’ we’ve asked people not to physically block them. And I believe, like you would do with any adult who or anybody who went through and did not follow directions, they call a campus lockdown,” said Gates.
Not only have Pleasanton schools made a commitment to protecting undocumented immigrants, but California has stepped up as a whole. California has long been considered a “sanctuary state” meaning that it refuses to comply with certain federal guidelines regarding immigration.
“The Pleasanton Police Department said they’re not going to help enforce. The county said they’re not going to help enforce. So no matter what the federal government says, our state government has specific policies that we have to follow and that we want to follow,” said Gates.
The California state government has specifically set regulations on what information schools can request. Immigration and citizenship status are both forbidden to document at a school and other student details are strictly protected.
“We’re not going to share information unless required by law. We’re not going to discriminate against any student or family based on immigration status. We’re gonna provide accurate and accessible information to families about their rights and resources.”
Even as federal enforcement agencies tighten up their policies, PUSD schools and California as a whole stays cemented in their belief for education for all. Schools have always been, and continue to be, a safe space for education, regardless of citizenship status.
“I think every child has a right to learn and it’s hard to learn if you are fearful. So, no matter what your situation is, if you’re here, we want to make sure that we’re teaching you,” said Gates.
