The Illinois State Board of Education has released guidance for local school districts on how to handle immigration enforcement actions on school grounds. This comes after the Trump administration rescinded a Biden-era policy that limited immigration actions in ‘sensitive locations’. The guidance reminds school officials that they are not allowed to inquire about a student’s or parent’s citizenship status but advises them to have clear policies in place for cooperating with federal immigration officials.
The guidance notes that federal law authorizes DHS to deputize state and local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration law, but Illinois state laws restrict such agreements. School districts are advised to designate a point person to handle requests from federal authorities, review records requests, and ensure any response to warrants or subpoenas is legally compliant.
Leaders of the state’s two largest teachers unions have criticized the new Trump administration policy, with the Illinois Federation of Teachers President calling it a “sad and shameful day” when schools are turned into sites of fear. Illinois Education Association President stated that all children should have access to quality public education, and educators should not be put in the crosshairs of political policies.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit news service that covers state government news and is funded by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
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