Preparing Schools for ICE: What Educators and Administrators Need to Know

“When will my family get deported?”

That simple question from a student is enough to shatter the peace of any classroom. These moments of deep fear and uncertainty are tragically not isolated incidents; they are becoming the norm in schools across the nation.

For immigrant and refugee students, the constant worry about enforcement actions from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is fundamentally interfering with their ability to learn and succeed. The problem isn’t just about the possibility of an encounter; it is the pervasive climate of fear itself that is eroding the constitutional right of every child, regardless of status, to a quality education.

We know that ICE activity has a profound and measurable impact on immigrant education. Educators are witnessing students grappling with chronic absenteeism, heightened anxiety, and trauma, making the essential task of providing a safe learning environment increasingly challenging.

As trusted educators and advocates, we must shift from simply reacting to these crises to building robust systems that prioritize protecting immigrant students and ensure they have the stability they need to thrive.

Why are schools suddenly worried about ICE?

Until recently, schools were generally considered “sensitive locations,” meaning federal immigration agents rarely entered campuses. That protection has changed. Under current policy, there is no guarantee that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will stay off school property. For districts serving immigrant and refugee families, this shift is unsettling — and it demands preparation.

The reality is stark: many students in U.S. public schools have mixed-status families or uncertain immigration status. A routine traffic stop or neighborhood enforcement action can ripple into classrooms. When families fear coming to school, attendance drops, learning suffers, and trust between schools and communities erodes.

Can ICE legally enter schools?

Federal immigration agents can enter school property if they have the proper authority, most often in the form of a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants, which are common in immigration cases, do not give agents the right to enter private or restricted areas of a school. This distinction matters, and school staff need training to recognize the difference.

Fugees Family’s professional development sessions help educators understand what ICE can and cannot do, how to identify valid warrants, and what to say, and not say, if confronted with immigration enforcement. Clarity on these points protects students, reduces panic, and helps schools comply with the law while safeguarding families’ rights.

What rights do students and families have?

Every child in the United States, regardless of immigration status, has the right to attend public school. That right is guaranteed under the Supreme Court’s 1982 Plyler v. Doe decision. Schools cannot ask about or disclose a student’s immigration status, and staff cannot provide ICE with student information without a proper court order.

Families also have rights in encounters with ICE. They do not have to open doors to agents without a judicial warrant. They have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney. When school staff know these rights, and communicate them clearly to families, fear decreases and trust increases.

How should schools respond if ICE appears on campus

The most effective response is one rooted in preparation, not improvisation. Schools need clear, written policies and a single point of contact authorized to communicate with law enforcement. Every adult on campus, from the principal to the front office secretary to the bus driver,  should know how to respond, who to notify, and what information they can and cannot share.

Training should also cover what to do beyond the moment of enforcement. How will the school communicate with families? What supports will be in place for students whose parents may be detained? Who is responsible for notifying district leadership or legal counsel? Answering these questions in advance ensures that chaos does not compound an already traumatic event.

Midway through this preparation, many districts realize they need expert guidance. That is where Fugees Family comes in. As a national leader in refugee and immigrant education, we partner with schools to deliver ICE preparedness training tailored to their community. Our sessions give staff confidence to respond lawfully and compassionately, and our templates help districts put protective policies in writing.

Refer to our response plan for educators resource for what to do when ICE shows up at your school.

Why invest in ICE preparedness training now?

For many schools, the instinct is to hope it never happens. But the stakes are too high to rely on hope. A single unprepared response — an untrained staff member granting ICE access they are not entitled to, or releasing student information improperly — can lead to family separations, legal exposure for the district, and lasting harm to community trust.

Preparedness is not just about legal compliance; it is about creating safe, welcoming schools where every student can learn without fear. It sends a clear message to families: We see you, we value you, and we are ready to stand with you in moments of crisis.

How can districts get started?

The first step is awareness. School leaders should review current policies and identify gaps: Are staff trained? Is there a protocol for verifying warrants? Do families know their rights? From there, districts can work with trusted partners to implement training and create clear communication plans.

Fugees Family offers professional development sessions and customized support to help districts prepare for potential ICE encounters. Our training covers staff responsibilities, legal considerations, family outreach, and trauma-informed practices. Districts that have completed this training report increased confidence among staff and improved trust with their communities.

We know this work can feel overwhelming and even frightening. But preparation turns fear into action and action protects students.

If your district is ready to take this step, contact teranga@fugeesfamily.org to schedule ICE preparedness training or learn more about our professional development offerings.