No Child Should Fear ICE at School

Is your child worried about ICE coming to their school? Here’s what you can do to help.

Regardless of their immigration status, countless families are experiencing anxiety about immigration enforcement. We know when classmates fear immigration raids, or come home to find their parents missing, that terrifies all of our kids. As parents and community members, we have to step up and tell them we’ve got their backs. That means supporting schools in their efforts to protect all students.

So what can you do?

Talk to friends and family. All children, regardless of immigration status, have a constitutional right to public education in the U.S. (Plyler v. Doe). All children deserve to feel safe and welcomed at school. No child can learn if they are worried about themselves or their friends during the school day.

Educate yourself and others. Read up on immigrant rights and share information with those who may be impacted.

Make sure your school district is safe. Many school districts are setting up guidelines to protect students regardless of immigration status. Check the policies in your district and use this guide to advocate for safe schools in your community.

Support friends and neighbors whose families may be impacted by immigration enforcement. Make sure they have the resources they need to create a family preparedness plan in case of arrest.

Donate to local organizations supporting immigrant families. The flood of new anti-immigrant policies and executive orders is stretching the resources of groups that support the rights of immigrants.

Talk to your kids. Our kids hear everything that is going on around them. If your kids express fear for themselves or their friends, it’s important to address their concerns in an open and supportive manner. You can use this video script from Parents Together to help with those conversations.

Things are scary right now — we won’t deny that. But if we stand together with our community, we can show our kids that love is stronger than hate.