For many immigrant and refugee parents, even the simple act of dropping their child off at school can feel terrifying. Immigration enforcement has drawn closer to campuses across the country, with reports of families being stopped, questioned, or detained near school grounds. Parents describe scanning the parking lot before stepping out of their cars, while students wonder if today is the day someone won’t come home.
No child should have to carry that fear into the classroom.
At Fugees Family, we work with schools that serve immigrant and refugee students every day. We’ve seen how uncertainty about immigration enforcement affects attendance, focus, and a child’s sense of safety. But we’ve also seen what works: schools that take proactive, legally sound steps to define their boundaries and stand firm in protecting every student’s right to learn.
Defining “non-public” spaces is key
Most districts already have visitor policies—but too often, they apply only inside school buildings. That leaves parking lots, athletic fields, and pick-up lanes vulnerable to enforcement encounters.
Districts can reduce those risks by formally designating non-public areas across the entire campus. These should include parking lots, drop-off zones, playgrounds, athletic fields, and bus lanes—any place where students and families regularly gather.
Once those spaces are defined as non-public, districts should:
- Post clear signage indicating restricted access.
- Train front office and security staff on how to verify and read warrants.
- Deny entry to agents who do not present a judge-signed judicial warrant.
- Refer all agents to a single district designee, such as the superintendent or legal counsel.
This approach doesn’t just establish boundaries—it restores calm. When families know their schools have clear rules, drop-off becomes a moment of connection again, not fear.
Protecting students protects learning
When ICE activity happens near schools, it disrupts far more than pickup routines. It creates trauma that follows students into classrooms, showing up as anxiety, absenteeism, or sudden changes in behavior.
By making campuses clearly defined safe zones, schools preserve learning time, stabilize attendance, and model what community care looks like in practice. Protecting students’ sense of safety is not a political act—it’s an educational one.
What educators are saying
In Education Week’s recent article, article, “Schools Brace as Fears of Immigration Enforcement Rise Among Families,”reporter Ileana Najarro highlighted how schools nationwide are revisiting their policies to protect families.
Fugees Family Founder, Luma Mufleh, shared that while immigration officers have not entered school buildings, enforcement activity has moved alarmingly close to campuses—including drop-off lines and sidewalks just blocks away. She urged superintendents and principals to act now:
“The reason immigration officers haven’t gone into schools is not because they haven’t tried. It’s because schools know that you can’t come in without a valid judicial warrant.”
The article also showcased Fugees Family’s work helping districts train staff, review policies, and build emergency funds to support detained students. As Mufleh reminded readers, “Superintendents don’t have to wait until one of their students, or a family member, is in custody to advocate for students’ legal rights to attend school.”
Educators have immense power—and a legal foundation—to safeguard learning spaces from intrusion.
Looking for a response plan for what to do when ICE shows up at your school? Refer to our ICE Response Plan for Educators guide.
How families can help
Parents and caregivers can play a vital role in ensuring their schools stay safe zones.
- Ask your principal if your school has a written policy on immigration enforcement and visitor access.
- Encourage your PTA or family council to request posted signage marking school grounds as non-public.
- Share resources about students’ rights to attend school regardless of immigration status.
- Keep emergency contact forms updated, including a trusted non-parent adult authorized to pick up your child.
When schools and families act together, they create a united front that protects every child’s right to learn without fear.
Need guidance?
Fugees Family provides 30-minute consultations, district audits, and customized training to help schools build safe, inclusive campuses.
If your district is reviewing policies or wants support developing staff training and signage, reach out to kerri@fugeesfamily.org.
Because showing up for our kids—and making sure they can show up to school—is where safety begins.
Frequently asked questions
- How can schools prepare a response plan for potential ICE encounters?
Refer to our ICE Response Plan for Educators and learn how schools should focus on creating a "safety-first" culture where every student is seen as an individual and feels part of a "second family." By implementing specialised professional development, educators can learn how to support the unique needs of their immigrant and refugee populations during times of enforcement stress.
- What resources does Fugees Family offer for families navigating ICE actions?
Families have access to a dedicated library of resources, which includes ICE Encounter and Detention Tools. These materials are designed to provide practical guidance on rights and safety, helping families stay informed and prepared.
- Why is maintaining a safe environment crucial for the academic success of English learners?
Emotional safety is the foundation of learning. When students feel secure, they can achieve 89% grade-level proficiency within three years. A stable school environment ensures that English learners can maintain the momentum needed for their intensive interventions and long-term growth.
- Does the organization engage in advocacy to protect students from immigration enforcement?
Yes, a core part of the mission is policy and advocacy aimed at shaping laws and building community support. This work is focused on advancing educational justice and ensuring that schools remain protected spaces where all students can thrive.
- How can educators stay informed about best practices for supporting students in this climate?
Educators and administrators can stay informed with the Weekly Game Plan, which provides timely updates and practical guidance for schools. This resource helps school staff stay current on the best strategies for supporting refugee and immigrant youth.
- How can I help support English learners who are impacted by immigration policies?
You can help by donating to empower English learners, ensuring that the organisation can continue providing the resources and advocacy needed to protect these students. Your support helps level the playing field and ensures every child is set up to succeed.
