Bay Area schools training staff in case ICE shows up on campus
South Bay school districts step up training in event of ICE raids on campus
Local school districts are ramping up training for staff in the event immigration authorities arrive on campus
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Schools around the Bay Area are on alert after President Trump said he would allow federal immigration agencies to carry out deportations in areas once considered safe, such as schools, churches, and hospitals.
However, local and state leaders have vowed to keep schools safe.
"California’s schools are and will remain a welcoming, inclusive, and safe place for all," said California Attorney General Rob Bonta during a news conference on Tuesday.
What's next:
School districts around the Bay Area are already working behind the scenes to educate their staff, parents, and students on the legal issues surrounding immigration enforcement.
Educators at the Alum Rock Union School District met Tuesday in a workgroup as part of ongoing outreach and educational efforts.
"Right now, with that heightened alert and fear that is out there, we want to make sure that our administrators know what resources are available," said District Superintendent German Cerda.
Cerda led the "immigration support resource group," which is finalizing districtwide training to be conducted later this week and next week. The training will focus on how to respond to potential immigration actions on campus and how to address concerns from parents and students.
"That is going to look training for our front office staff, a guide for our school-site staff on the resources they can refer families to when needed, and also working with our nonprofit partners in the community," said school district communications director Sergio Diaz Luna.
In a letter to the school, San Jose Unified reiterated its commitment to keeping students and their families safe.
What to do if ICE shows up in California: Immigration resource guide
Immigrant rights advocates say don't speak to ICE agents and ask for an attorney. They also say that ICE needs a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home.
"We recognize that today’s political climate can create uncertainty and concern for many families. At San José Unified, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every student and their loved ones feel safe, welcome, and supported," the district said.
ICE needs a signed warrant
Dig deeper:
Immigrant rights group SIREN and state officials continue to emphasize that signed warrants are needed to enter classrooms or other non-public spaces on campus.
"They do have to follow protocols in safety, and even if it is to serve a warrant, they have to have it signed, but they also have to follow steps on how they will approach this area," said Lourdes Medina, a spokesperson for SIREN.
"Federal immigration enforcement is not permitted to enter non-public areas without an order signed by a judge. This includes classrooms or libraries," Bonta said.
The Alum Rock Union School District said absenteeism is running about 13% higher than usual, possibly due to fears over immigration enforcement.
Attorney General Bonta also reminded parents that they can update their emergency contact information and designate a trusted adult to care for a child if immigration enforcement is conducted against the parents while their children are at school.
The Source: Information for this story comes from interviews with the Alum Rock Union School District, a statement from San Jose Unified, and previous reporting.