Growing Concerns Over ICE Operations In Denver Schools Amid New Policies
Concerns are rising regarding the potential presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in schools across metro Denver, especially following President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders aimed at tightening immigration policies.
Denver Public Schools has instructed its employees to “deny entry to the building” if ICE officials arrive on school premises.
The memo from the DPS superintendent advised staff to “secure the school perimeter” and to use an “intercom system to communicate” with any government representatives who may show up.
Flor Canales, a member of Movimiento Poder, is addressing the increasing anxiety among students about these issues.
Children are expressing worries such as, “Can ICE come to our school? What will happen if my parent is taken by ICE? What if I am taken by ICE?” Canales shared.
Aurora Public Schools also informed its staff through a memo to “kindly notify federal agents that the district has a protocol for interactions with students.”
The district reassured, “There is no evidence suggesting that immigration enforcement actions will occur in APS schools.”
John Fabbricatore, a former director of an ICE field office and now a fellow at the Heritage Foundation, stated that ICE has never made children in schools a target.
“ICE focuses on specific cases involving criminal undocumented immigrants or those with final removal orders. They have no intention or reason to enter elementary, middle, or high schools,” Fabbricatore explained.
The Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday that agents may now operate in “sensitive areas,” including educational institutions. Fabbricatore noted that ICE will pursue criminals wherever they might be found.
In the meantime, Movimiento Poder is actively working to ensure that students understand their rights and know how to respond if confronted by ICE agents.
“We are encouraging them to be aware of their rights and the fact that they have the right to remain silent,” Canales stated.
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