The research is clear
Studies show that immigration enforcement activity near schools increases student absences, raises stress and anxiety, and erodes family trust — regardless of whether any enforcement action happens on campus.
Our mission
Schools should be places of learning, not sites of immigration enforcement.
No ICE in Schools is an advocacy effort focused on a specific, practical goal: getting school districts to adopt written policies that require a judicial warrant before immigration enforcement officers can enter non-public school areas or remove a student from campus.
What we are asking for
The ask is specific because specificity matters. Broad statements about school safety are easy to agree with and easy to ignore. A written district policy requiring a judicial warrant is concrete, enforceable, and measurable.
One clear policy change
We are asking school districts to adopt a written policy that:
- Requires a valid judicial warrant before immigration enforcement officers are permitted to enter non-public school areas
- Prohibits the removal of a student from school without proper legal authority and district review
- Directs staff to contact district leadership or legal counsel immediately when enforcement requests are made
- Protects student records from informal or unauthorized disclosure
- Includes staff training so the policy is applied consistently
This is not a symbolic resolution. It is a practical operational rule.
Why this issue, why now
Millions of children are affected
About 5 million children in the United States live with at least one undocumented family member. School policy shapes the daily experience of learning for a significant portion of the student population.
Most districts have no written policy
Many schools lack clear written procedures for how to respond when immigration enforcement officers appear. That means staff are often improvising in high-stress situations without guidance.
Policy works
Research on districts with protective school policies shows better academic outcomes and stronger family engagement than comparable districts without those protections.
Who this is for
This effort is for anyone who believes schools should stay focused on education. That includes:
- Parents and families who want their children in a school environment that prioritizes learning
- Students who want to understand their rights and the policies that affect them
- Educators and school staff who want clear guidance on how to handle enforcement requests
- School board members and administrators who are looking for policy models and research to guide district decisions
- Community members and advocates who want to support local campaigns for protective school policies
What this site provides
This site is a resource for people working to advance protective school policies in their communities. We provide:
- Plain-language explanations of why warrant-based school policies matter
- Evidence and research supporting the case for protective policies
- Practical guidance for school administrators on what policies should include
- Know-your-rights information for students and families
- Resources for organizing and advocating at the district level
Schools work best when students feel safe enough to show up and learn.
A clear district policy requiring judicial warrants before enforcement access is a practical, achievable step that communities can advocate for right now.