Warrant requirement
Schools require a judicial warrant before allowing access to non-public areas. An administrative ICE form is not enough.
Policy in Practice
What Leading School Districts Are Doing
School districts across the country have already implemented policies and programs to protect students and ensure schools remain safe learning environments. These examples show what is possible — and practical.
Across the United States, major school districts have adopted clear policies, staff training, and proactive communication strategies to protect students and families. These efforts are not theoretical — they are already in place and working.
The examples below show districts that have taken concrete steps to ensure schools remain focused on education. The specifics vary by district, but the core commitments are consistent: clear procedures, trained staff, and transparent communication with families.
These districts serve as benchmarks. Our goal is to bring the same common-sense protections to every school district — including yours.
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)
California · Approximately 420,000 students
Policy
- Safe Zones resolution limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement
- Requires legal review before granting campus access
- Explicit FERPA protections for student data
Staff Training
- District-wide "Know Your Rights" training for all staff
- Immigrant Student & Family Resource Centers
- Partnerships with legal aid organizations
Family Communication
- "We Are One LA Unified" public campaign
- Multilingual materials distributed to all schools
- Posters and handouts in every building
New York City Public Schools (NYCPS)
New York · Approximately 900,000 students
Policy
- No access to students without a judicial warrant
- Centralized legal review of any enforcement request
- Strong student privacy protections district-wide
Staff Training
- Written guidance for handling immigration enforcement
- Training integrated into school leadership programs
Family Communication
- Multilingual "Know Your Rights" resources
- Family Welcome Centers for ongoing support
Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
Illinois · Approximately 320,000 students
Policy
- Safe Haven resolution restricting cooperation with immigration enforcement
- Requires legal review before allowing access to school property
Staff Training
- Front office protocols for responding to enforcement visits
- Partnerships with community organizations
Family Communication
- District-wide "Know Your Rights" posters
- Public-facing messaging reinforcing student protections
Denver Public Schools (DPS)
Colorado · Approximately 90,000 students
Policy
- Limits cooperation without proper legal documentation
- Requires verification before granting campus access
Staff Training
- Front office protocols for handling enforcement visits
- Staff training on legal requirements and step-by-step response
Family Communication
- Multilingual family communication materials
- Public reassurance messaging from district leadership
San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)
California · Approximately 50,000 students
Policy
- Sanctuary-aligned policies limiting enforcement cooperation
- Strong limits on student data sharing
Staff Training
- On-site support and legal referral systems
- Staff training aligned with district policy
Family Communication
- Multilingual outreach campaigns
- Coordination with city immigrant services
What these districts have in common
While each district approaches implementation differently, the most effective policies share the same core elements.
Staff training
Front office staff are trained on exactly how to respond if immigration agents arrive — step by step, in writing, before any incident occurs.
Proactive communication
Families receive clear, multilingual information about their rights before incidents occur — not after.
Public board commitment
School boards adopt formal resolutions and communicate expectations publicly, creating accountability.
Community partnerships
Districts work with legal and community organizations to extend support beyond the school building.
These protections are not new or untested
The districts above serve millions of students across the country. They have demonstrated that clear policies, trained staff, and transparent family communication are achievable — regardless of district size or political context.
Our goal is to bring the same common-sense protections to every school district, ensuring that all students can learn in a safe and supportive environment.
Note: District policies evolve. Links above reflect publicly available information and may not capture the most recent updates. Contact individual districts for current policy documentation.